misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce misinformation (audio)
: 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.
However, this means that misinformation will likely not be removed from the platform. Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Unfortunately, red-flag laws have been the target of considerable political misinformation and alarmism. Alexis Cordone, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 That's down significantly from 58 percent in 2019 and 64 percent in 2001 and comes against a backdrop of online misinformation and skepticism around vaccines sparked by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 Sheriff Griffin, in his 12-minute video, accused Phillips of profiting from misinformation and warned people not to fall for it. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near misinformation

Cite this Entry

“Misinformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on misinformation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!