misunderstands

verb

present tense third-person singular of misunderstand
as in misses
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of you misunderstood that poem because you took everything so literally

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 misunderstands Cuban argued that the proposal misunderstands how startup wealth works. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 This practice fundamentally misunderstands AI's role, confusing resource consumption with actual performance and business value. — Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Often in the past intelligence has been equated to technology, but to solely rely on technology as a measure of intelligence misunderstands what intelligence is. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 July 2026 Health policy experts and healthcare associations say that misunderstands the nature of insurance. — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 When asked what the world misunderstands most about the singer, 64, Ferrer didn’t hesitate. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 That misunderstands both the problem and the legislation itself. — Andy Harris, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Do not rush to defend yourself if someone misunderstands your tone. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 This misunderstands the nature of modern protectorates, such as Palau or the Marshall Islands. — Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misunderstands
  1. misses
  2. misconstrues
  3. misreads
  4. mistakes
  5. misinterprets
Verb
  • But that misses the delight Arzner took in her stars and in the backlot drama of the studios.
    — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Big misses in the recent Michigan and Wisconsin Democratic primaries left some proclaiming (again) that no one should trust the polls.
    — Henry Olsen, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of misses
Verb
  • In granting the President this unbridled authority, the Court upends its precedent, misconstrues our history, and sheds any pretense of judicial modesty.
    — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 June 2026
  • Finally, the policy misconstrues preventative care.
    — Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Definition of misconstrues
Verb
  • When an agent misreads it, that interpretation can shape campaigns, seller outreach, budget decisions and workflows across the revenue organization.
    — Kelly Hopping, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Paramount says the lawsuit misreads the facts and antitrust law.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 July 2026
Definition of misreads
Verb
  • Recognizing those forces in the world isn’t the same thing as interrogating them, and as a seasoned artist with real power in Hollywood, Gluck repeatedly mistakes implication for insight.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Attacks on humans by great barracudas are rare and often occur when the fish mistakes a shiny object, such as diving gear, for prey, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of mistakes
Verb
  • 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
Definition of misinterprets

Browse Nearby Words

misunderstandings
misunderstands
misunderstood
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Cite this Entry

“Misunderstands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misunderstands. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of misunderstands for Spanish Speakers

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