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

Other Word Forms

• misrepresentation noun
• misrepresentative adjective
• misrepresenter noun
• premisrepresent 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

When Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was on trial for misrepresenting the startup’s finances and business prospects, several people tried to put the practice of hyping supposed tech breakthroughs in context.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The Film Workers group accused Paramount of misrepresenting the intent of its pledge, saying it did not target individual filmmakers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Khan told the Guardian that Jenrick had "misrepresented a storied and diverse community, awkwardly distorting the product of an all-out bin strike to fit his culture-warrior narrative filled with far-right cliches".

Read more on BBC

Minter isn’t alone in his assessment that Chiles has misrepresented the law.

Read more on Salon

Republicans and conservatives have misrepresented the pandemic-era change as a handout to millionaires.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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