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
• ˌmisrepreˈsenter, noun
• ˌmisrepreˈsentative, adjective

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

Another major claim made in the Hindenburg report is that Nikola and Milton have misrepresented the company’s efforts to develop a new kind of battery for use in electric vehicles.

From Fortune

By failing to take into account the serious risk of slowing and stalling, along with more rainfall, this metric can misrepresent the true danger of a storm.

From Popular-Science

That was all interesting stuff but there was another part of the story that said the investigation had found that a City Councilmember had misrepresented the deal to his colleagues and the public.

From Voice of San Diego

Out of the people that were met in person,16% of users reported that none of their dates misrepresented their age, height, or weight.

From No Straight News

Also, 31% of users admitted to misrepresenting their information, while 69% said they did not misrepresent any information.

From No Straight News

As long as the reporter does not misrepresent himself and does not attempt to conceal a recording device, the event is fair game.

From The Daily Beast

Still, I continue to like and value Peter, even if he chooses to willfully misrepresent me and my views.

From The Daily Beast

Why Beinart would purposely misrepresent these commonly known facts is mystifying.

From The Daily Beast

Those who say that the Republicans are taking the president's words out of context to misrepresent him make a serious mistake.

From The Daily Beast

So long as we are in the world of facts and specifics, Romney has shown himself scrupulous not to overstate or misrepresent.

From The Daily Beast

The gentleman from New Jersey says we misrepresent our constituents.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been no part of my plan to boast, exaggerate, or misrepresent anything, but to give "plain facts."

From Project Gutenberg

It is not always these stories are told to misrepresent facts, but it is often the case of imagination or being mistaken.

From Project Gutenberg

Did the President of that day misrepresent his party, or his successor, or has the party changed and the successor also?

From Project Gutenberg

But I would not attempt by any sophistry to misrepresent slavery in order to prove its dreadful wickedness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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