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Definition of misnomer

misnomer

/mɪsˈnoʊ.mɚ/
mis · no · mer
Plural:misnomers
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misnomer Lexical Profile

misnomer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A wrong, inaccurate, or unsuitable name or designation applied to a person, place, or thing.

Example

"Calling the koala a bear is a common misnomer, as it is actually an arboreal marsupial."

2

The act or an instance of using a wrong or inappropriate name or term, especially in a legal document or proceeding.

Example

"The judge allowed the plaintiff to amend the complaint to correct a minor misnomer of the corporate defendant."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for misnomer

Word Nuance & Usage

A misnomer specifically refers to an inaccurate or misleading name or term (such as 'koala bear' for a marsupial), and should not be used as a general synonym for a factual misconception, myth, or misunderstanding.

• Rhymes for misnomer

• Nearby Words

mismatched
mismeasure
misname
misnomer
miso
miso soup
misogynist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century as a legal term from Anglo-French 'mesnomer', where the infinitive verb meaning 'to misname' (from Old French 'mes-' meaning 'wrongly' + 'nomer' meaning 'to name', from Latin 'nominare') was used as a noun.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misnomer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misnomer
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