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.

Doctors say many patients misunderstand the role of the drugs.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Even some medical professionals misunderstand the aging process, Levy said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

These claims misunderstand how Miami actually works and why the region’s trajectory remains fundamentally strong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

In a statement to Barron’s, a Google spokesperson said that “these lawsuits fundamentally misunderstand how YouTube works and the allegations are simply not true.”

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

For whatever reason, some guys developed an intense, focused interest in me and my life that I used to misunderstand as romantic interest.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

misunderstand

Example Sentences

Related Words