Synonyms of misuse

misuse 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈyüs 

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

• abuse
• misapplication
• destruction
• wrecking
• misusage
• perversion
• spoiling
• corruption
• mismanagement
• mishandling
• misutilization
• misemployment
• damage
• mistreatment
• maltreatment
• ill-treatment
• ruin
• prostitution
• desecration
• mismanaging
• debasement
• profanation
• ill-usage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• use
• application
• employment
• utilization

misuse

2 of 2

verb

ˌmis-ˈyüz 

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

• abuse
• misapply
• pervert
• prostitute
• profane
• corrupt
• degrade
• misemploy
• twist
• desecrate
• mismanage
• debase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• use
• apply
• utilize
• employ
• respect

2

as in to bully

to inflict physical or emotional harm upon

sadly misused by the people he had trusted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abuse
• bully
• torture
• mistreat
• mishandle
• injure
• violate
• take apart
• oppress
• maltreat
• manhandle
• ill-use
• brutalize
• hurt
• ill-treat
• mess over
• persecute
• harm
• kick around
• outrage
• harass
• torment
• molest
• wrong
• work (over)
• victimize
• beat (up)
• rough (up)
• sandbag
• burn
• mess (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• care (for)
• foster
• nurture
• cherish
• baby
• favor
• spoil
• indulge
• cater (to)
• gratify
• humor
• coddle
• pamper
• mollycoddle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of misuse

Noun

Chapman had been assigned to investigate Ayala's misuse of Flock in December 2025. — David Clarey, jsonline.com, 8 July 2026

Schylling has partnered with social media companies such as TikTok to remove influential content containing NeeDoh product misuse. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026

Verb

The judge concluded that the plaintiffs failed to show that their data was misused as a result of the breach. — Chase Jordan july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

On March 30, a Paris court convicts Le Pen and other National Rally officials of misusing European Parliament funds, sentences her to prison and bars her from seeking public office for five years with immediate effect. — ABC News, 6 July 2026