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

"He's bound to state something inartfully or perhaps misrepresent something."

From Salon

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

Haurek said the complaint "cherry-picks misleading quotes and takes outdated documents out of context to misrepresent our commitment to community safety."

From Salon

The Ohio senator had an advantage over Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in the vice presidential faceoff: His capacity to grossly misrepresent himself and Donald Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is not going to be a panacea. I don’t want to misrepresent anything to the parents who are making these difficult decisions. But for a subgroup, this is clearly something that’s leading to a response.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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