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
Such evidence, while limited, adds a tangible element to reports that are often dismissed as fantasy or misidentification.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
As the ceasefire tenuously endures, the misidentification of the fourth body has raised questions about Hamas’s ability—and intent—to meet its commitments under the truce brokered by the U.S. President Donald Trump.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
This story was updated to remove the misidentification of an international destination in the Boise Airport data.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Sep. 2025
While most sightings are dismissed as misidentifications or atmospheric oddities, a select few stand apart – defying scientific and governmental scrutiny and leaving behind more questions than answers.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misidentification
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Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
As the ceasefire tenuously endures, the misidentification of the fourth body has raised questions about Hamas’s ability—and intent—to meet its commitments under the truce brokered by the U.S. President Donald Trump.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
This story was updated to remove the misidentification of an international destination in the Boise Airport data.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Sep. 2025
While most sightings are dismissed as misidentifications or atmospheric oddities, a select few stand apart – defying scientific and governmental scrutiny and leaving behind more questions than answers.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misidentification
Cite this Entry
“Misidentification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misidentification. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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