misspeak

present singular third person misspeaks · participle present misspeaking · past misspoke · participle past misspoken

1. USambitransitiveTo fail to pronounce, utter, or speak correctly.

   Either I misspoke or you misheard.

   2 more examples

   The president’s comments on Wednesday came after Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the chamber’s only Black Republican, said that “white supremacy should be denounced at every turn. I think he misspoke, I think he should correct it. If he doesn’t correct it I guess he didn’t misspeak.”

   2020 September 30, “Trump Faces Torrent of Criticism From Fellow Republicans After Failing to Denounce White Supremacy”, in New York Times

   In July, both Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared to contradict the commitment to public ownership - but then subsequently said they had misspoken.

   2022 October 5, Conrad Landin, “Network News: Labour resolves to put rail "in the hands of the public"”, in RAIL, number 967, page 16

   Synonyms: mistalk

2. intransitiveobsoleteTo speak insultingly or disrespectfully.