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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.

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

Doctors say many patients misunderstand the role of the drugs.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

It’s easy for students to misunderstand and misinterpret college award letters that specify the financial aid they will receive.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

It is also an act of courtesy, because consistent trees are easier to parse and harder to misunderstand.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker