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.

“It just shouldn’t be mistaken for anything serious.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said her findings made clear the "unacceptable" rise in mistaken releases, and that the government would "bring the prison system into the 21st century".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

When Peet told Shear she is often mistaken for Bell, they reconfigured the moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Improved camera angles make it clearer when officials are mistaken.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“We know that the person who took Jason’s mitt did it on purpose,” said Frank, “because they couldn’t have mistaken the lucky mitt for theirs.”

From "The Missing Mitt (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #2)" by Franklin W. Dixon

Vocabulary lists containing mistaken

Way Off: Synonyms for "Wrong"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fear" and "Violence Hits Home"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Power Suffix: -en

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!