misuse 1 of 2

Definition of misusenext

misuse

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
Clinton Wayne Nelan, 33, of Elkins, who was arrested Sunday, is charged with misuse of a local emergency telephone system and impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 The tool has been linked to misuse in various countries and has been found on the devices of activists and journalists, including on the phones of people close to Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in a Saudi embassy in Turkey in 2018. Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 19 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
  • International watchdogs warn of democratic backsliding under Vucic, citing police abuses and pressure on critics, while Serbia’s bid for European Union membership faces potential funding cuts over eroding rule of law.
    Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • The change followed a report from a commission that discussed state institutions' history of abuse and neglect, including patient sterilizations at a state hospital in Monson.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on misuse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster