misunderstand

[mis-uhn-der-stand] / ˌmɪs ʌn dərˈstænd /

VERB

get the wrong idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread

STRONG

confound fail misapply misapprehend misconceive miss mistake

WEAK

be at cross purposes be bewildered be confused be perplexed get signals crossed get signals mixed get wrong get wrong impression miscomprehend misknow misreckon miss the point not register take amiss take wrongly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

understand

STRONG

comprehend succeed

WEAK

construe get grasp interpret perceive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Douglas told police there had been a misunderstanding and that he wasn’t a danger to himself or others.

From Los Angeles Times

This dynamic points to a more basic misunderstanding about what institutions actually are.

From Salon

It misunderstands how the U.S. actually globalized—and why that model remains a source of strength rather than decline.

From Barron's

It added it was an area where it was seeing "increased misunderstanding and inconsistent practice".

From BBC

Small misunderstandings would escalate and sometimes their kids wouldn't get along, Rachel says.

From BBC