as in abuse
incorrect or improper use
the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use
an actor who misused his considerable talent by appearing in too many lousy movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
sadly misused by the people he had trusted
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misuse
Sarah Webber, Fortune, 24 May 2026
This gross misuse of taxpayer money cries out for a call to action.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Muhammad Azeem, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Critics of the Take It Down law fear it could be misused by the FTC.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Noun
The Internal Revenue Service defines nonprofit fraud as the misuse of an organization’s assets, including embezzlement and theft.
—Sarah Webber, Fortune, 24 May 2026
This gross misuse of taxpayer money cries out for a call to action.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Verb
The real goal is to identify the actual point of compromise, such as where the data is being misused, who the rogue actor is, which account is the victim, which account is the mule and where the money is really going.
—Muhammad Azeem, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Critics of the Take It Down law fear it could be misused by the FTC.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
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On the other side, De la Espriella has promised to fiercely crack down on criminal groups and build 10 megaprisons, following in a similar vein as El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, in his war on gangs, which has been beset by abuses, according to findings by human rights groups.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Multiple charges of abuse there, including bribery.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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