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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 5 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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