mischaracterize

verb

mis·​char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˌmis-ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce mischaracterize (audio)
-ˈka-rik-
mischaracterized; mischaracterizing

transitive verb

: 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 mischaracterizedBenjamin Radford

Examples of mischaracterize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the Senate questionnaire, Bove argued his role in shuttering the corruption prosecution of New York Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year has been mischaracterized. July 11, CBS News, 11 July 2025 The lawsuit is based on unfounded allegations and mischaracterizes the incredibly valuable work of our experienced and compassionate clinicians. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Correction: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the delivery method of Dance Mom’s cocaine. Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 June 2025 Last week’s item on Peo mischaracterized his role at the firm. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mischaracterize

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischaracterize was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Mischaracterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischaracterize. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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