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

But the authors of the rebuttal say the report misrepresents evidence, relies on discredited research and fails to follow the peer review process typically expected of rigorous scientific assessments, among other concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are all more than one mistake," he said, adding that Labour was "terrified" of his popularity if they were "rifling through stories from a long time ago where I was clearly misrepresented".

From BBC

"To completely misrepresent the accounts by this scale is just completely unacceptable," says Stuart McFadden from fraud investigation company Refundee, which represents some investors.

From BBC

He has carried on about the cost of a renovation of the Fed’s Washington headquarters building, even misrepresenting the cost and nature of the project, suggesting that it points to Powell’s managerial ineptitude.

From Los Angeles Times

A bipartisan committee is investigating whether California’s high-speed rail authority knowingly misrepresented ridership projections.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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