misconstruction

noun

mis·​con·​struc·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce misconstruction (audio)
plural misconstructions
1
: a wrong interpretation (as of words, intentions, or actions) : an act or instance of misconstruing something
a complete misconstruction of my words
2
: a bad or wrong construction
Catachresis … is a striking, even extreme, implied metaphor that often makes use of a grammatical misconstruction.Robert A. Harris

Examples of misconstruction in a Sentence

his misconstruction of the blueprints led to some costly and time-consuming repairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a gross misconstruction of federal law. Noah Feldman Bloomberg Opinion (tns), Star Tribune, 10 Sep. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misconstruction was circa 1535

Dictionary Entries Near misconstruction

Cite this Entry

“Misconstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconstruction. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

misconstruction

noun
mis·​con·​struc·​tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈstrək-shən
: the act, the process, or an instance of misconstruing
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