misspeak

verb

mis·​speak ˌmis-ˈspēk How to pronounce misspeak (audio)
misspoke ˌmis-ˈspōk How to pronounce misspeak (audio) ; misspoken ˌmis-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce misspeak (audio) ; misspeaking
Synonyms of misspeaknext

transitive verb

1
: to speak (something, such as a word) incorrectly
2
: to express (oneself) imperfectly or incorrectly
claims now that he misspoke himself

intransitive verb

: to speak incorrectly : misspeak oneself

Examples of misspeak 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.
The health secretary also appeared to misspeak at the meeting, saying two people had died of the disease. — Devi Shastri and Amanda Seitz The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025 These leaders don’t merely lie or misspeak or make light of life and death. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misspeak was in the 14th century

Rhymes for misspeak

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Cite this Entry

“Misspeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misspeak. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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