mischaracterize
verb
mis·char·ac·ter·ize
ˌmis-ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 
-ˈka-rik-
mischaracterized; mischaracterizing
: to characterize (someone or something) wrongly
mischaracterized his position on the issue
In many cases, the problems that the news media, activists, and politicians hype are real enough; however they are frequently greatly exaggerated and mischaracterized …—
Benjamin Radford
Benjamin RadfordExamples of mischaracterize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The paper of record mischaracterizes recent efforts to reform Florida’s flagship state university.
—Matthew Malec, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
Some advocates for gender-affirming care for youth say the report mischaracterizes the normal caution being taken by researchers to carefully present and interpret scientific data.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
Vigilance and frustration with the status quo are not apathy, though traditional media often mischaracterizes them as such.
—Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024
Claim mischaracterizes argument from lawyers for Harris’ office as California AG
The reference to holding prisoners past their release date refers to – but misrepresents– a legal argument made by attorneys for her office.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for mischaracterize 
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.
Matthew Malec, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
Some advocates for gender-affirming care for youth say the report mischaracterizes the normal caution being taken by researchers to carefully present and interpret scientific data.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
Vigilance and frustration with the status quo are not apathy, though traditional media often mischaracterizes them as such.
—Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024
Claim mischaracterizes argument from lawyers for Harris’ office as California AG
The reference to holding prisoners past their release date refers to – but misrepresents– a legal argument made by attorneys for her office.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for mischaracterize
Dictionary Entries Near mischaracterize
Cite this Entry
“Mischaracterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischaracterize. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share