misuse 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈyüs How to pronounce misuse (audio)
Definition of misusenext
as in abuse
incorrect or improper use the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse

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misuse

2 of 2

verb

ˌmis-ˈyüz How to pronounce misuse (audio)
1
as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use an actor who misused his considerable talent by appearing in too many lousy movies

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2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon sadly misused by the people he had trusted

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of misuse
Noun
His case was also shared with the local district attorney, who has the authority to prosecute misuse of confidential governmental data, but the district attorney declined to pursue criminal charges, the audit said. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The technology has been hotly debated across the nation, with opponents raising concerns about privacy violations and misuse of the cameras. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Rajapaksa was accused of misusing funds that her charity received as a donation from a state bank earmarked for the purchase of a scanner for a government hospital. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Is there a more prolifically misused major star today than Pedro Pascal? — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
  • Men shouted abuse from car windows or tried to bribe him with money, drugs, even girlfriends.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The department said ALPRs have led to the arrests of suspects in cases of homicide, theft, child abuse, burglary and among other crimes.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

misusages
misuse
misused
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Cite this Entry

“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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