Synonyms for

Mislead

Verb / mɪˈsli:d / Another word for mislead — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to cause someone to believe something that is not true

Synonyms & similar words

misinform misdirect leadastray misguide deceive trick fool delude bamboozle hoodwink cheat swindle dupe beguile misinform misguide misdirect deceive misrepresent cozen

Synonyms by register

Formal

deceive delude misinform dupe

Informal

trick fool hoodwink lead astray

Literary

beguile bewilder disorient

Antonyms

guide inform enlighten clarify instruct educate orient

Common collocations

  • mislead the public
  • mislead someone into
  • mislead the investigation
  • intentionally mislead
  • mislead by omission
  • mislead the enemy
  • mislead the jury

Word family

noun misleading
verb mislead
adjective misleading

Usage note

Often implies causing someone to believe something that is not true, either intentionally or unintentionally. Be careful not to confuse with 'mislay' (to lose something temporarily).

Example sentences

  1. She tried to mislead the teacher by pretending to have done her homework.
  2. Don't be misled by the advertisement, the product is not as good as it looks.
  3. The politician was accused of misleading the public with false promises.
  4. The magician's tricks were so convincing that he could easily mislead the audience.
  5. The fake news story was designed to mislead readers into believing something that wasn't true.

Quotes

  • It is better to be deceived by one's friends than to deceive them.
  • Mislead no more. Seek truth.
  • A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.

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