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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of misuse
Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Flock misuse creates lasting harms San Diego counts among cities that remain invested in Flock, spending $2 million annually to maintain access.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 June 2026
That is the standard set for bringing weapons and cellphones into a secure area, safeguarding department property, monitoring the radio, misusing department letterhead, badges or insignia, secondary employment violations, and recommending bondsmen or attorneys to inmates.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Noun
Wall believes politicians have damaged America’s governing system, which was designed to ensure representation and guard against government misuse.
—Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Flock misuse creates lasting harms San Diego counts among cities that remain invested in Flock, spending $2 million annually to maintain access.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Verb
Agency chair says data has been misused Early indications of the EEOC's plan to stop gathering data came a year ago.
—Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 June 2026
That is the standard set for bringing weapons and cellphones into a secure area, safeguarding department property, monitoring the radio, misusing department letterhead, badges or insignia, secondary employment violations, and recommending bondsmen or attorneys to inmates.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
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In 2014, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
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He was suspended multiple times during his career for infractions including violating the league's substance abuse and personal conduct policy.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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