misinterpretation
noun
mis·in·ter·pre·ta·tion
ˌmi-sᵊn-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
plural misinterpretations
: failure to understand or interpret something correctly
an error caused by misinterpretation of the rules
: a mistaken interpretation
… it soon becomes obvious to workers in the field that misunderstandings and misinterpretations of conventional terms seriously interfere with scholarly communication.—
Juergan Eichhoff
Juergan EichhoffSynonyms
Examples of misinterpretation in a Sentence
his misinterpretation of the ambiguously worded instructions was hardly his fault
Recent Examples on the Web
Empathetic communication can bridge many gaps and prevent misinterpretations.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Chainalysis’s data accuracy has faced scrutiny; critics argue that without independent audits, analyses can sometimes lead to misinterpretations or unjust actions against individuals or businesses.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
With wildfires continuing to wreak havoc on Southern California, Chuck D is denouncing a gross misinterpretation of his work.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025
Basharat Saleem, executive director of the Islamic Society of North America, a nonprofit organization, told CBS News that many of Jabbar's statements in the recordings reflect a misinterpretation of Islamic law.
—Rhona Tarrant, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for misinterpretation 
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Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Chainalysis’s data accuracy has faced scrutiny; critics argue that without independent audits, analyses can sometimes lead to misinterpretations or unjust actions against individuals or businesses.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
With wildfires continuing to wreak havoc on Southern California, Chuck D is denouncing a gross misinterpretation of his work.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025
Basharat Saleem, executive director of the Islamic Society of North America, a nonprofit organization, told CBS News that many of Jabbar's statements in the recordings reflect a misinterpretation of Islamic law.
—Rhona Tarrant, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for misinterpretation
Dictionary Entries Near misinterpretation
Cite this Entry
“Misinterpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinterpretation. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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