misnomers

Noun

misnomer (plural misnomers)

1. A mistake in the naming of a person or place; a misidentification.
2. (broadly) An incorrect use of a term, especially one which is misleading; a misname.
   • […] plaintiff's misstyling himself as corporation in initial complaint constituted case of misnomer.1994, Illinois. Appellate Court, Stephen Davis Porter, Illinois Appellate reports, page 257
3. (broadly) A term which is misleading, even if firmly established, technically correct, or both.
   • The name Chinese checkers is a misnomer since the game has nothing to do with China.

   Antonyms:

   aptronym

4. (broadly, nonstandard, proscribed) Something which is asserted not to be true; a mistaken belief, a falsehood, a myth.
   • It’s a misnomer that all doctors have bad handwriting.

See all 5 meanings of misnomer