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Showing results for misunderstand. Search instead for mischbestand.
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.

Kaufman acknowledged mistakes can occur, but suggested many complaints arise when parents complete age checks on behalf of their children or misunderstand the process.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

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

Those who point to Japan or China as examples of countries that have modernized without widely adopting English misunderstand India.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

MarketWatch: What do most people misunderstand about what it really takes to become a successful trader?

From MarketWatch • Nov. 17, 2025

“But people do. They love each other and they misunderstand on purpose and they fight and then suddenly they aren’t the same one.”

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway