misunderstand

[mis-uhn-der-stand] / ˌmɪs ʌn dərˈstænd /

VERB

get the wrong idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread

STRONG

confound fail misapply misapprehend misconceive miss mistake

WEAK

be at cross purposes be bewildered be confused be perplexed get signals crossed get signals mixed get wrong get wrong impression miscomprehend misknow misreckon miss the point not register take amiss take wrongly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

understand

STRONG

comprehend succeed

WEAK

construe get grasp 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.

In interviews, he has emphasized that his time working at Trader Joe’s was never something to be ashamed of, but rather only something others chose to misunderstand.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

And if AI agents are not kept on course by a human, they could misunderstand an instruction and wander down an errant processing path, resulting in a business paying for wasted computing power.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Doctors say many patients misunderstand the role of the drugs.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

People dismiss the evident troubles of nepo babies because they misunderstand the nature of happiness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

“You did well, Perseus. Do not misunderstand me. Whatever else you do, know that you are mine. You are a true son of the Sea God.”

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

misunderstand

Example Sentences

Related Words