misuse 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈyüs How to pronounce misuse (audio)
Definition of misusenext
as in abuse
incorrect or improper use the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse

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misuse

2 of 2

verb

ˌmis-ˈyüz How to pronounce misuse (audio)
1
as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use an actor who misused his considerable talent by appearing in too many lousy movies

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2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon sadly misused by the people he had trusted

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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 misuse
Noun
The new lawsuit follows an earlier suit filed by Universal Music Group, Concord, and ABKCO in October 2023 which alleged comparable misuse of their song catalogs to train Claude. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 In combination products naloxone is included primarily to discourage certain forms of misuse. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
In Brussels’ view, those weaknesses create a direct risk that EU funds can be misused without such abuse being properly detected or punished. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026 An officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department who misused the county’s license plate reader system has been demoted, suspended without pay and faced other disciplinary measures, according to a release from Sheriff Jeffery Balon. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
  • Hisbah members also face widespread allegations of rights abuses in their enforcement operations, including subjecting offenders to dehumanizing punishments such as public beatings or shaming.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • An autopsy identified multiple injuries, and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office ultimately determined that his death was caused by injuries resulting from child abuse and classified the death as a homicide, the news release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

misusages
misuse
misused
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Cite this Entry

“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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