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

In July 1988, the USS Vincennes mistook an Iran Air commercial plane for a fighter and shot it down soon after takeoff from Dubai, killing 290 civilians.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins has described the evening she believed Hollywood actor Tom Cruise mistook her for royalty.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

“No one there,” he said in what he mistook for a whisper.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson