misunderstanding 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce misunderstanding (audio)
Definition of misunderstandingnext
1
as in mistake
a failure to understand correctly people once thought that there were canals on Mars because of a common misunderstanding of a report by an Italian astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions tried to resolve their misunderstandings peacefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

misunderstanding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of misunderstand
as in missing
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of you misunderstood that poem because you took everything so literally

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of misunderstanding
Noun
Leaders rooted in love can listen, clarify, learn and continue without collapsing under misunderstanding. — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Ideally, misunderstandings and disputes are resolved through conversation. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
David Schurman Wallace on misunderstanding Gertrude Stein. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 This could be along the lines of a passive-aggressive email or a coworker misunderstanding your tone. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misunderstanding
  1. mistake
  2. dispute
  3. missing
  4. misinterpretation
  5. disagreement
  6. mistaking
  7. misreading
  8. altercation
Noun
  • Avoiding these debt relief mistakes can help keep costs under control and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • This was deliberate and not a fashion or ordered-the-wrong-size-on-Amazon mistake.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • According to the Daily Mail, Baldoni and Swift actually communicated after the end of his dispute with Lively, and the two now share a code word when talking about the issue.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
  • The agreement resolve some disputes as state regulators continue hearing evidence that will determine what millions of customers ultimately pay for electricity.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Verb
  • In the early days, the page teemed with posts sharing objects found, along with heartfelt and, at times, gut-wrenching pleas for missing personal items.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Buxton rejoined the Twins on Saturday after missing the team’s previous four games with a right hip impingement.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of missing
Noun
  • The researchers say the inability of LLMs to provide the correct location is an inherent flaw that arises from training biases or from misinterpretations of instructions within the current context.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
  • To prevent misinterpretation and reduce anxiety, leaders should establish clear exit norms.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of misinterpretation
Noun
  • Rather, the point would be to convert disagreements regarding biodiversity into guidance for ongoing experimentation.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
  • His comments broadened the debate beyond Machado’s individual case, framing the controversy as one involving fundamental civil liberties rather than simply a political disagreement over the opposition leader’s role during the disaster response.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Definition of disagreement
Verb
  • You could be forgiven for mistaking the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for an apparel brand that also operates trains and buses on the side.
    — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 10 July 2026
  • The look has been updated with taste and restraint, so there’s no mistaking the 33/303’s lineage—even the dimensions are within 1 mm of the originals.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026
Definition of mistaking
Noun
  • What a misreading of the moment that was.
    — Laura Secor, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
  • But a person familiar with the US-Israel discussions said the gap reflects a deeper misreading on Israel’s part.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Definition of misreading
Noun
  • The altercation between Adebayo and Herro was sparked by recent comments apparently made by Herro on social media critiquing Adebayo and also showing some resentment toward Adebayo.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Sometime after the altercation, the deceased male and another unknown man saw the shooter in the food court and attacked him.
    — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of altercation

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misunderstand
misunderstanding
misunderstandings
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Cite this Entry

“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misunderstanding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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