misinterpretation

noun

mis·​in·​ter·​pre·​ta·​tion ˌmi-sᵊn-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce misinterpretation (audio)
-pə-
plural misinterpretations
Synonyms of misinterpretationnext
: failure to understand or interpret something correctly
an error caused by misinterpretation of the rules
: a mistaken interpretation
… it soon becomes obvious to workers in the field that misunderstandings and misinterpretations of conventional terms seriously interfere with scholarly communication.—Juergan Eichhoff

Synonyms of misinterpretation

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Examples of misinterpretation in a Sentence

his misinterpretation of the ambiguously worded instructions was hardly his fault
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.
Sánchez, who faces an election next year, has said a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling and disinformation on social media encouraged people to rush the border. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Sánchez, who faces an election next year, said that a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling and disinformation spread on social media encouraged people to rush the border. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for misinterpretation

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinterpretation was in 1538

Rhymes for misinterpretation

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Browse Nearby Words

misinterpretable
misinterpretation
misjoinder
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Cite this Entry

“Misinterpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinterpretation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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