mistook

[mi-stook] / mɪˈstʊk /

VERB

mix up, misunderstand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread overestimate overlook underestimate

STRONG

addle blunder botch bungle confound err fail goof jumble lapse misapprehend misconceive miscount miss omit slip snarl tangle

WEAK

be off the mark be wrong deceive oneself get wrong have wrong impression make a mess misdeem misknow miss the boat not know put foot in slip up take for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

understand

STRONG

accomplish achieve clear up correct do well fix succeed uncomplicate

WEAK

be certain be sure comprehend 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.

Mott set off a security alarm when he jumped the fence, but the operator on duty mistook the cause of the alert as a herd of deer just outside the fence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

A woman says doctors mistook her endometriosis for irritable bowel syndrome, as new figures show diagnosis delays are getting longer.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

At least 59 detainees were freed because the system mistook them for other people.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Characterized as “myths,” for example, were the age-old beliefs that Native Americans mistook the conquistadors for gods, and that a mere handful of Spaniards toppled great empires with ease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

“But maybe he meant nothing. I was burnt up with the fever. Maybe I mistook kindness for—for—” She grimaced.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson