mischaracterize

verb

mis·​char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˌmis-ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce mischaracterize (audio)
-ˈka-rik-
mischaracterized; mischaracterizing

transitive verb

: to characterize (someone or something) wrongly
mischaracterized his position on the issue
In many cases, the problems that the news media, activists, and politicians hype are real enough; however they are frequently greatly exaggerated and mischaracterized …—Benjamin Radford

Examples of mischaracterize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But a common refrain, for Hastings and others, is that developers aren’t adhering to the spirit of the comprehensive plan and could be mischaracterizing their intentions. — Rose Evans august 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026 The petition contains many false assumptions and completely mischaracterizes the show. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Lawyers for Pitt, 62, argued that Jolie, 51, repeatedly mischaracterized her claims regarding the 2021 sale of her stake in the former couple‘s French winery. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Most concerning, Lipsitch and Cody mischaracterized the stated conclusion of our Lancet study, which was that NPIs were effective. — Thomas J. Bollyky, STAT, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mischaracterize

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischaracterize was in 1798

Rhymes for mischaracterize

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Browse Nearby Words

mischaracterization
mischaracterize
mischarge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mischaracterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischaracterize. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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