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

He has attended so many of her meetings that some foreign officials mistook him for her chief of staff.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 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

In another close encounter, while filming underwater a hungry walrus mistook him for a seal and took hold of his legs.

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

Mouse mistook my toe for a mole crab, and I used the excuse to duck away and off down the beach to sit by myself for a while.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk