misrepresent

[ mis-rep-ri-zent ]

verb (used with object)

1. to represent incorrectly, improperly, or falsely.
2. to represent in an unsatisfactory manner.

misrepresent

/ ˌmɪsrɛprɪˈzɛnt /

verb

1. tr to represent wrongly or inaccurately

Derived Forms

• ˌmisrepresenˈtation, noun
• ˌmisrepreˈsentative, adjective
• ˌmisrepreˈsenter, noun

Other Words From

• mis·rep·re·sen·ta·tion [mis-rep-ri-zen-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• mis·rep·re·sen·ta·tive adjective
• mis·rep·re·sent·er noun
• pre·mis·rep·re·sent verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of misrepresent¹

First recorded in 1640–50; mis- ¹ + represent

Synonym Study

Misrepresent, distort, falsify, belie share the sense of presenting information in a way that does not accord with the truth. Misrepresent usually involves a deliberate intention to deceive, either for profit or advantage: The dealer misrepresented the condition of the car. Distort implies a purposeful twisting or emphasizing of certain statements so as to produce an inaccurate or misleading impresssion: cleverly distorting the facts to create an impression of his own innocence. Falsify suggests a tampering with or alteration of facts, records, or documents, especially with the intent to cheat or deceive: He falsified the birth records to conceal his age. Belie means to create an impression that is inconsistent with the facts, or that contradicts other evidence but it does not usually suggest intent to deceive: Her casual, relaxed manner belies her insecurity.

Example Sentences

“I will not apologize for what is the truth. David Seymour has continually misrepresented the Treaty,” Jackson wrote.

From Salon

She later told reporters she did not think maternity pay "needs changing at all", and insisted her comments had been "misrepresented" because she was talking about cutting regulations on business.

From BBC

Bianco has accused media outlets and advocacy groups of misrepresenting the jail deaths to the public, including on his podcast episode on the topic, which was promoted on the department’s social media channels.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the latest salvo, the Chino board last month approved a “no deception” policy that requires all employees to “be truthful and honest and not misrepresent, either directly or by omission,” to parents.

From Los Angeles Times

She claimed her words had been "misrepresented", saying she had been talking about excessive business regulation and maternity pay was "a good thing".

From BBC

Related Words

• confuse
• cover up
• disguise
• distort
• exaggerate
• falsify
• misinterpret
• misstate
• overstate
• skew