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
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misuse
Sarah Webber, Fortune, 24 May 2026
This gross misuse of taxpayer money cries out for a call to action.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In addition to Newton Jones — who was removed from office by his executive council in 2023 for allegedly misusing union funds — those on trial are his wife, Kateryna; former International Secretary-Treasurer William Creeden; and former International Vice President Lawrence McManamon.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Noun
The Internal Revenue Service defines nonprofit fraud as the misuse of an organization’s assets, including embezzlement and theft.
—Sarah Webber, Fortune, 24 May 2026
This gross misuse of taxpayer money cries out for a call to action.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Verb
The tool did not fail, and engineers did not misuse it.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In addition to Newton Jones — who was removed from office by his executive council in 2023 for allegedly misusing union funds — those on trial are his wife, Kateryna; former International Secretary-Treasurer William Creeden; and former International Vice President Lawrence McManamon.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
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On the other side, De la Espriella has promised to fiercely crack down on criminal groups and build 10 megaprisons, following in a similar vein as El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, in his war on gangs, which has been beset by abuses, according to findings by human rights groups.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Multiple charges of abuse there, including bribery.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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