Definitions

mislead

[mis-leed] / mɪsˈlid /

VERB

give someone the wrong idea, information

Synonyms

STRONGEST

betray cheat deceive defraud delude dupe entice fool fudge hoodwink lie misguide misinform misrepresent tempt

STRONG

bait beguile bilk bluff bunk cozen enmesh ensnare entangle gull hoax hose inveigle juggle lure misdirect outwit overreach pervert rook scam seduce shaft snow trick victimize

WEAK

double-cross illude lead astray lead on pull wool over eyes put on rip off rope in take in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be honest support

WEAK

advise counsel guard lead protect

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.

Among its claims, the county alleged the oil companies engaged in a conspiracy to mislead the public and violated consumer protection rules by mischaracterizing the dangers of their products.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

He added that that U.S. used subterfuge to mislead the Iranians who were searching for the downed aviator.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

For example, photos included in the indictment show the use of a hair dryer to move serial numbers to boxes of nonworking, replicated dummy servers in an attempt to mislead the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

It said there was "no finding that Lord Chadlington deliberately set out to mislead the former commissioner", but his actions "fell short of the standards the House expects of its members".

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

I asked him to explain more fully, so that I might not by any chance mislead him, so he said:—

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Vocabulary lists containing mislead

Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

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mis-

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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: mis-

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