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.

See Examples For:

mistook

Our enemies mistook our vibrant democracy for weakness and a lack of cohesion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2026

He was tricked into surrendering when he mistook Ukrainian soldiers for his Russian allies.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

He said afterward that he mistook the plastic fork for a weapon.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

During a nighttime field survey, researchers initially mistook the animal for a mushroom, highlighting just how convincing its disguise is.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026

“It seems someone mistook me for a pumpkin,” I said.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate

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