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Definitions

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

Don’t misunderstand me: That does not mean you should not get married.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 14, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 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

Janie wanted to ask Hezekiah about Tea Cake, but she was afraid he might misunderstand her and think she was interested.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.