mistaken

[mi-stey-kuhn] / mɪˈsteɪ kən /

ADJECTIVE

having made a mistake; wrong

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confounded confused deceived deluded duped fooled misguided misinformed misinterpreting misjudging misled tricked

STRONG

erroneous false faulty illogical inaccurate inappropriate incorrect misconstrued unfounded untrue unwarranted wrong

WEAK

all wet at fault barking up wrong tree confused with fallacious ill-advised off base off-track sadly mistaken unadvised under wrong impression unreal unsound way-off wide of mark wrong number wrongly identified

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accurate correct honest right substantiated true valid

WEAK

exact fair just precise sound

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.

Ahmed: Honestly, every time I’m mistaken for Dev Patel, I’ll take the flowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

However, Sir Jeffrey told police she is mistaken.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

While immigration sweeps have receded from the headlines, Garcia Venegas’ most recent incident highlights how the mistaken detention of Americans has continued despite congressional inquiries and denials by senior immigration officials.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

These are known as Ebola’s “dry” symptoms, and they are often mistaken for malaria.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Steady-state theory was killed by what scientists had mistaken for pigeon droppings.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Vocabulary lists containing mistaken

Way Off: Synonyms for "Wrong"

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"Fear" and "Violence Hits Home"

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Power Suffix: -en

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