misidentification
noun
mis·iden·ti·fi·ca·tion
ˌmis-ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
ˌmis-ə-
plural misidentifications
: incorrect or false identification
The long-term nature of a life insurance policy sometimes accounts for a misidentification of the insured.—
Harriett E. Jones et al.
Harriett E. Jones et al.In the finished novel, the central character insists on calling his girlfriend June, though her name is Joan—one of many obsessional misidentifications in [Henry] Green's fiction.—Jeremy Treglown
Jeremy TreglownExamples of misidentification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The misidentification—and Adams’ purchase of the painting—may be related to the fact that Ruskin actually knew and admired Turner.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Shawn did not learn of the misidentification until the 2023 KGW report, according to a previous separate lawsuit.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Asked if Timmerman's misidentification was a moment of false hope, Debra Tice instead characterized it as a moment of joy to be shared.
—Fox News, 15 Dec. 2024
Past researchers had relied on incomplete or distorted diagrams, which led to misidentifications and incorrect assumptions about their populations.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misidentification 
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Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Shawn did not learn of the misidentification until the 2023 KGW report, according to a previous separate lawsuit.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Asked if Timmerman's misidentification was a moment of false hope, Debra Tice instead characterized it as a moment of joy to be shared.
—Fox News, 15 Dec. 2024
Past researchers had relied on incomplete or distorted diagrams, which led to misidentifications and incorrect assumptions about their populations.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misidentification
Dictionary Entries Near misidentification
Cite this Entry
“Misidentification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misidentification. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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