misappropriate

verb

mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmi-sə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
misappropriated; misappropriating; misappropriates
Synonyms of misappropriatenext

transitive verb

: to appropriate wrongly (as by theft or embezzlement)
misappropriation
ˌmi-sə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of misappropriate

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Examples of misappropriate in a Sentence

They accused him of misappropriating town funds. a financial manager misappropriating funds from her clients' accounts
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Trauernicht faces a felony charge of misappropriating public funds while serving as the UC Davis fire chief. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026 Ereg is accused of obtaining, misappropriating and laundering millions of dollars meant to feed children in need, officials said in a statement. — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 11 June 2026 Wilson is accused of misappropriating $54,000 in county funds. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 3 June 2026 The judge, however, said Monday that Ramco failed to offer evidence that Prasad misappropriated hospital funds. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for misappropriate

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misappropriate was in 1825

Rhymes for misappropriate

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Browse Nearby Words

misapprehensive
misappropriate
misarranged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misappropriate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

misappropriate

verb
mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmis-ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
: to appropriate wrongly
especially : to take dishonestly for one's own use
misappropriation
-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

misappropriate

transitive verb
mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmi-sə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
: to appropriate wrongfully or unlawfully (as by theft or embezzlement)
misappropriation
-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on misappropriate

Nglish: Translation of misappropriate for Spanish Speakers

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