misdirected

adjective

as in misguided

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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 misdirected The primary barrier has been the cumulative friction of subpar user experiences, misdirected marketing and an obsession with speculative trading over personal finance. — Jeff Mahony, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026 What’s being exploited and misdirected is men’s search for belonging and for economic security. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 The evidence will show that this was a misdirected voicemail resulting from a scam call, not a deliberate communication directed at Sheriff Kamara. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 28 July 2026 Reducing misdirected street lighting for example can really help, especially in areas with species that need low light for navigation. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 The turban’s high visibility leaves Sikh men uniquely vulnerable to misdirected Islamophobic attacks, according to the American Bar Association. — Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Mar. 2026 The novelist Naomi Alderman recently wrote about how the thing that keeps drawing us back to our phones is actually a misdirected desire to learn. — Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 Everyone in the book suffers from unreturned or misdirected love. — Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Even with smart investing, without the right systems in place to transfer this wealth, wealth that took generations to build can be lost, misdirected, or fumbled entirely. — Essence, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdirected
  1. misguided
  2. ineffective
  3. careless
  4. ill-advised
Adjective
  • The White House has consistently derided Bonta’s litigation against the administration as baseless and misguided.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Thus, treating the first movie’s haul as the new standard for future chapters was misguided, particularly when sequels have historically earned less than their predecessors.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of misguided
Adjective
  • Third-string quarterback Brock Thomas started the game for the Ducks but was largely ineffective, going 9 of 20 for 54 yards and an interception.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In the debate Thursday night, Sullivan highlighted his record defending Alaska's energy and military interests in the state and attacked Peltola as ineffective during her time in office.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of ineffective
Adjective
  • Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.
    — Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond can be careless with the football, throwing three interceptions against Sam Houston last weekend and posting five picks in four games.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Retiring from the national team seemed to be an option after that World Cup disappointment, but Ronaldo said he was urged to continue by the Portuguese soccer federation president – something which now looks incredibly ill-advised.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Mejia said the city had been ill-advised to agree to be the financial backstop, should the Games lose money.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ill-advised

Browse Nearby Words

misdiagnosing
misdirected
misdirection
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Cite this Entry

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

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