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

The charges also include allegations of false tax filings, with prosecutors asserting that campaign-related and personal expenses were misrepresented as deductible business costs.

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Pulte suggested Cook could have received favorable lending terms, such as lower interest rates, by misrepresenting her occupancy status.

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Rather, we need to help them through stronger regulations to prevent food companies from misrepresenting what’s in the packages.

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YouTube TV said in a statement that Disney is “misrepresenting the facts including from the deals they’ve offered.”

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The newly appointed independent board has been investigating whether the company has misrepresented its financial reporting, including inadequate disclosures and its use of off-balance-sheet debt.

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Related Words

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