misperception

noun

mis·​per·​cep·​tion ˌmis-pər-ˈsēp-shən How to pronounce misperception (audio)
plural misperceptions
Synonyms of misperceptionnext
: a false or inaccurate perception
… a host of misperceptions about the '50s, including the skewed notion that women didn't work in the 1950s, especially if they were mothers. Even in the '50s, one-fifth of mothers had paying jobs.—Jeff Reid

Examples of misperception 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.
Suzanne’s ungenerous view of herself is one of many misperceptions that will be overturned—some gently, some not. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2026 Ashley said among misperceptions people have is assuming adult children living with them can no longer be claimed as dependents. — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 Rent prices, in particular, have fallen, though Wegmann said there’s still something of a broad misperception in Austin. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Mar. 2026 Unhoused people often migrate to cities where services like shelters, soup kitchens and outreach are grouped, officials say, leading to the misperception that homelessness is a city problem. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for misperception

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misperception was in 1722

Rhymes for misperception

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Browse Nearby Words

misperceive
misperception
misperform
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

misperception

noun
mis·​per·​cep·​tion ˌmis-pər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce misperception (audio)
: a false perception

More from Merriam-Webster on misperception

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for misperception

Nglish: Translation of misperception for Spanish Speakers

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