as in abuse
incorrect or improper use
the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use
an actor who misused his considerable talent by appearing in too many lousy movies
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2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
sadly misused by the people he had trusted
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misuse
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Hollywood’s actors and writers unions, after winning AI protections in bargaining with studios, remain concerned about the potential misuse of the tech.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
But trademark infringement lawsuits can be filed in federal court — a potentially greater deterrent to misuse, because those cases apply nationwide.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Noun
The researchers concluded that inhalant misuse often does not occur in isolation but instead clusters with other behavioral concerns and substance-use risks.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Hollywood’s actors and writers unions, after winning AI protections in bargaining with studios, remain concerned about the potential misuse of the tech.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
Verb
Some of those numbers may be completely fabricated, while others may belong to real people whose caller ID information is being misused.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
But trademark infringement lawsuits can be filed in federal court — a potentially greater deterrent to misuse, because those cases apply nationwide.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
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These groups are specifically designed to help support people in relationships with those struggling with substance abuse.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
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Constant changes and slow IRS guidance led to widespread confusion and, eventually, abuse that forced the IRS to put a moratorium on claims on September 14, 2023 until August 8, 2024.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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