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 EichhoffExamples of misinterpretation in a Sentence
his misinterpretation of the ambiguously worded instructions was hardly his fault
Recent Examples on the Web
Simple things that are so straightforward there’s no room for misinterpretation.
—Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Yet Waltz finds that behavior to be a misinterpretation of Strasberg’s teachings.
—William Earl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
Their misinterpretation isn’t your problem!
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Don’t allow for any misinterpretation.
—Anne Sugar, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misinterpretation
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Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Yet Waltz finds that behavior to be a misinterpretation of Strasberg’s teachings.
—William Earl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
Their misinterpretation isn’t your problem!
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Don’t allow for any misinterpretation.
—Anne Sugar, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misinterpretation
Cite this Entry
“Misinterpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinterpretation. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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