Definition of misapplynext
as in to misuse
to put to a bad or improper use you've misapplied the theorem to certain problems that require a different formula kids who misapply their boundless energy and get into trouble

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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 misapply First, if a bull market means to you that stocks are trending unequivocally upward, then, no, the bull market label is being misapplied right now. — Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 16 June 2023 Democrats in Tallahassee say the program isn’t just bad policy, it was misapplied to move migrants from Texas. — Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 7 June 2023 O'Shea said the study's findings have often been misinterpreted or misapplied since its publication. — Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 2 June 2023 Ioniţă still has both qualities in equal measure, but they were sorely misapplied in his performance of Dvořák’s cello concerto. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for misapply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misapply
Verb
  • Officers who misuse the technology should face appropriate consequences.
    — Gino Vicci, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And any police officer caught misusing them should be charged by violating the constitution.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The charges come with additional special allegations, around the victim’s vulnerability and that Tapia abused a trustworthy position.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Early American corporate charters, after all, were granted for limited public purposes and could be revoked when abused.
    — Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Misapply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misapply. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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