AMISS Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

amiss 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of amiss

as in defective

having a fault that engine noise indicates that something is clearly amiss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wrong

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation official recognition would not be amiss after that spectacular effort

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

amiss

2 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈmis

as in incorrectly

in a mistaken or inappropriate way I hope that my suggestion that you might be more comfortable in a larger chair was not taken amiss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in awry

off the desired or intended path or course the reenactment of the Wright Brothers' first flight went amiss when the wind died on the makeshift runway and the plane stopped short in a mud puddle

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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 amiss

Adjective

Heat cramps can be the first signal from your body that something is amiss, usually presenting as painful spasms in your legs and/or abdomen. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 Lum resigned from the High Museum in December after the institution’s board realized something was amiss and accused him of theft. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Adverb

The whole incident -- from realizing something was going amiss to hitting the water -- only lasted one or two minutes. — Leah Asmelash, CNN, 21 Aug. 2019 This connectivity can provide a sense of brain organization, and there's a growing body of evidence that this organization goes amiss in those with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for amiss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amiss

Adjective

That is why intentionally defective grantor trusts, or IDGTs, remain useful.

— Michael Gold CFP, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells.

— Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of defective

Adverb

The result can be a company that AI fails to recognize, recognizes incorrectly or resolves in favor of a competitor.

— Joseph Byrum, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
The mayor’s office took that step after learning that citations were being incorrectly handed to vendors in MacArthur Park, a situation reported by LA Public Press.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of incorrectly

Adverb

Loop’s status has been a hot-button issue around the team after his badly missed 44-yard field goal in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season kept the Ravens out of the playoffs and accelerated the end of the John Harbaugh era.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Barely a week goes by without another story about rogue agents or models behaving badly.

— Don Schuerman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of badly

Adverb

The fatal shooting by police responding to a report of a possible break-in distinguishes Pysher’s death from several other instances in which residents have shot people who mistakenly showed up at their homes.

— Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
When the group decided to move the party to a house nearby, Pysher walked there alone and mistakenly knocked on the wrong door.

— Tom Hanson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mistakenly

Adjective

For years, software security operated on an imperfect but workable equilibrium.

— Aaron Mitchell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
It’s been carried by a wider move toward grunge finishes, natural makeup, deliberately imperfect beauty and makeup for tired eyes that leans in rather than covering up.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026