misinterpret

verb

mis·​in·​ter·​pret ˌmi-sᵊn-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce misinterpret (audio)
-pət
misinterpreted; misinterpreting; misinterprets
Synonyms of misinterpretnext

transitive verb

1
: to explain wrongly
His comment on the speech misinterprets the speaker's meaning.
2
: to understand wrongly
Their silence should not be misinterpreted as consent.

Synonyms of misinterpret

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Examples of misinterpret in a Sentence

He claims that his statements have been misinterpreted by the media. Her silence should not be misinterpreted as consent.
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.
Rajesh Exports denied these allegations of wrongdoing and said the discrepancies pointed out by SEBI misinterpret their consolidated global revenue and basic value additions. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026 The current debate often misinterprets AI's role, focusing too much on job replacement and efficiency. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Matters can be referred to the SEC if a DEC knowingly misinterprets rules. — Charles Baggarly august 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 However, experts say that legal decision was extremely narrow, with some arguing it was likely misinterpreted by migrants and traffickers. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misinterpret

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinterpret was in 1547

Rhymes for misinterpret

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Browse Nearby Words

misintelligence
misinterpret
misinterpretable
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Cite this Entry

“Misinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinterpret. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

misinterpret

verb
mis·​in·​ter·​pret ˌmis-ᵊn-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce misinterpret (audio)
-pət
: to understand or explain wrongly
misinterpretation
-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce misinterpret (audio)
-pə-ˈtā-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on misinterpret

Nglish: Translation of misinterpret for Spanish Speakers

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