as in abuse
incorrect or improper use
the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
sadly misused by the people he had trusted
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misuse
Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026
There are state laws concerning specific misuses of AI but some legislators are attempting to put broader guardrails in place.
—Katherine Lin, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The affidavit also alleges that, during his role as chief, Cantrell misused official information to conduct criminal searches on people involved in a lawsuit with Ashley Ketcherside, including a public official.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Noun
Proper disposal of leftover prescription drugs is essential to prevent misuse and keep harmful compounds out of local waterways and landfills, the city of Boise said in a press release.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026
There are state laws concerning specific misuses of AI but some legislators are attempting to put broader guardrails in place.
—Katherine Lin, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
In February, conservative filmmaker Joel Gilbert filed a complaint to the Federal Elections Committee alleging Swalwell misused campaign finance funds on child care for his three children.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The affidavit also alleges that, during his role as chief, Cantrell misused official information to conduct criminal searches on people involved in a lawsuit with Ashley Ketcherside, including a public official.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misuse
abuse
Noun
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But whether a potential second film would try to acknowledge the abuse allegations against Jackson, including those at the center of a 2005 trial that ended in his acquittal on all counts, is unclear.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Anyone with information on this case or other animal abuse cases is urged to contact the PSPCA's Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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