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
His case was also shared with the local district attorney, who has the authority to prosecute misuse of confidential governmental data, but the district attorney declined to pursue criminal charges, the audit said. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The technology has been hotly debated across the nation, with opponents raising concerns about privacy violations and misuse of the cameras. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Macedo wrote a letter to Steve Kawa, the chair of the authority’s board, ahead of the meeting saying that Choudri had misused taxpayer money and abused public trust. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 In another case, the audit found that a high-ranking law enforcement officer misused confidential databases to look up family members and other employees without legitimate business purposes. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
  • In court Friday, Teymouri revealed additional information about past child abuse claims about the defendants and the conditions in the home.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The 2026 accusations stem from a call placed to police in Albuquerque by a University of New Mexico physician who examined the boys and alerted them to allegations of abuse.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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