misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce misinformation (audio)
Synonyms of misinformation
: incorrect or misleading information
Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well …—Ronnie Dugger
A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women.—Melinda Beck
Each of these pieces of information (and misinformation) about me is sold for about two-fifths of a cent to advertisers, which then deliver me an Internet ad, send me a catalog or mail me a credit-card offer.—Joel Stein

Examples of misinformation in a Sentence

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.
Response teams have been battling armed conflict, poor roads and violence from residents fueled by mistrust and misinformation. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments largely criticize Fox News for allegedly spreading fear and misinformation, particularly regarding unrest in France and American cities. — Albert Samaha, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 When rumors stop vaccines Polio also gets help spreading from rumors and misinformation. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 While floods of images and their competing narratives have all but defined the digital age, this battleground of misinformation has had notable consequences in the region. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misinformation

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinformation was in 1605

Rhymes for misinformation

See All Rhymes for misinformation

Browse Nearby Words

misinform
misinformation
misinformative
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Cite this Entry

“Misinformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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