misunderstanding 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce misunderstanding (audio)
Definition of misunderstandingnext
1
as in mistake
a failure to understand correctly people once thought that there were canals on Mars because of a common misunderstanding of a report by an Italian astronomer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions tried to resolve their misunderstandings peacefully

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misunderstanding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of misunderstand
as in missing
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of you misunderstood that poem because you took everything so literally

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of misunderstanding
Noun
But too many mixed signals can throw off an opponent’s risk calculus, giving rise to misunderstandings that can produce or worsen a crisis. — Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 Getting ahead of those conversations helps prevent misunderstandings once households merge and rent is due. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
Verb
In an article coming tomorrow, Clint Smith explores the betrayal of Black military officers, calling out the forces of reaction for misunderstanding the nature of patriotism. — The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Toine says the two most common errors in orchid maintenance result from misunderstanding light and water requirements. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misunderstanding
  1. mistake
  2. dispute
  3. missing
  4. misinterpretation
  5. disagreement
  6. mistaking
  7. misreading
  8. altercation
Noun
  • The debtor made a mistake to incur the liability, the liability was not covered by adequate insurance, and no settlement was achieved in litigation.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Despite acknowledging mistakes were made, FIFA is still facing a barrage of obstacles that are preventing it and Infantino from moving on from the saga.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • The release of Fauci's text messages could further rekindle a yearslong dispute between Fauci and congressional Republicans about how the federal government's former top infectious disease expert responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Creditors rarely challenge such plans because most disputes are resolved earlier.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispute
Verb
  • On Saturday, Iranian authorities alleged for the first time that the pilots had been captured in Qatar, after previously saying one pilot had been killed and three others were missing following their sortie.
    — August 17, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Those goals aren’t there this season — missing a month with knee inflammation took him out of the running — but Vitello said there continues to be value in sending Webb to represent the club every fifth day.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of missing
Noun
  • Further, the potential for misinterpretation seems high; the watermark is not particularly informative.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Clase’s camp has blamed the whole ordeal on a misinterpretation of texts and calls pertaining to rooster fighting.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of misinterpretation
Noun
  • There’s disagreement over how Democrats’ split between progressives and mainstream liberals may — or may not — surface in the calendar.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Friday’s hearing likely will address a disagreement between prosecutors and the defense over the retrial location – not necessarily over whether to move it, but over the defense’s new request to have it in Charleston specifically.
    — Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of disagreement
Verb
  • The death of a language is like that of square dancing, or of doing algebra by pencil and paper, and mistaking metaphor for reality is one of the surest routes to woolly thinking.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Christie Brinkley has fans mistaking her for one of her daughters in her recent Instagram post.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistaking
Noun
  • Overton’s allies say that this is a misreading of her role, which is to build consensus and deliver a lasting outcome.
    — Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • But a person familiar with the US-Israel discussions said the gap reflects a deeper misreading on Israel’s part.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Definition of misreading
Noun
  • After the altercation, the juvenile employee recalled that Grayson appeared to lower herself to the floor in the dining area.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kelce was among their teammates who stepped in to break up the altercation.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of altercation

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Cite this Entry

“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misunderstanding. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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