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.

We also discovered—without too much surprise—that he often seems to fundamentally misunderstand the works he treasures most deeply.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

They misunderstand the proper role of an economic system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Nvidia remains undervalued by investors, perhaps because they misunderstand the company’s true data-center dominance.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

What do audiences underestimate or misunderstand about what it takes to make a comedy?

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Janie wanted to ask Hezekiah about Tea Cake, but she was afraid he might misunderstand her and think she was interested.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

misunderstand

Example Sentences

Related Words