as in moniker
a name that is wrong or not proper or appropriate
"International Airport" is something of a misnomer, since almost all the arriving and departing flights are local.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of misnomer
The name is somewhat of a misnomer because soap only makes up part of this sticky grayish or yellow substance.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Critics say the name is a misnomer that has lulled drivers into handing over full control to their cars.
—Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
The ugly Team defense is a misnomer The following statistic should leave the Ducks thoroughly embarrassed.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Now some of those same fast-food diners are suing the company, alleging the famous sandwich’s name is a misnomer.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misnomer
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Critics say the name is a misnomer that has lulled drivers into handing over full control to their cars.
—Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
The ugly Team defense is a misnomer The following statistic should leave the Ducks thoroughly embarrassed.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Now some of those same fast-food diners are suing the company, alleging the famous sandwich’s name is a misnomer.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misnomer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misnomer
Noun
-
These are the monikers most common to Gen Z, and today's parents tend to either look to the past or totally new-to-them options.—
Anna Earl,
Parents,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The growing presence of the Persian diaspora in Westwood earned it the moniker Tehrangeles.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For three quarters, The Dark Side – the intimidating nickname bestowed upon this group – held Drake Maye and the Patriots offense to 78 yards.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
During an annular solar eclipse, the moon covers a majority of the sun, leaving a distinct ring of light, hence the nickname 'ring of fire' eclipse.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Despite its nomenclature, Tesla’s current system called Full Self-Driving (Supervised), or FSD, is not fully autonomous.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
So this whole nomenclature is BS, right?—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the Olympics doesn't specify which city Tina lives in, her name is a diminutive for Cortina, one of the cities co-hosting the Winter Olympics.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
By contrast, Naroditsky, who went by Danya, the Russian diminutive of his first name, was known for his gentleness, his sensitivity.—
Jordan Himelfarb,
Time,
15 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The Dem-Gaz did not make that designation for itself.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
At the same time, Bolsonaro and his supporters were also pursuing a foreign terrorist designation for two groups — Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital.—
Evandro Cruz Silva,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misnomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misnomer. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
