as in abuse
incorrect or improper use
the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
sadly misused by the people he had trusted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 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
Ryan Oehrli
may 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
James did not live up to that contract over the first two years, in part because he was being misused by previous coach Brandon Staley.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 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
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police charged him with misusing 911.
—Ryan Oehrli
may 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
James did not live up to that contract over the first two years, in part because he was being misused by previous coach Brandon Staley.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
-
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
-
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 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
