put words in someone's mouth

Attribute false quotes

To put words in someone's mouth is to attribute statements or opinions to them that they didn't actually express: Don't put words in my mouth—I never said I hated it.

The phrase usually carries an accusation of misrepresentation, suggesting the speaker is being unfairly characterized or manipulated into positions they don't hold.

misrepresent

misquote

Inaccurate citation

distortTwist from original form
twistRotating motion or surprise
fabricateInvent or manufacture

falsify · misstate · misconstrue · manipulate · invent · exaggerate · embellish · slant · bias · spin

presume

assume

Accept as true

supposeAccept as true tentatively
presumeAccept without verification
inferDerive by reasoning

attribute · project · ascribe · impute · guess · speculate · predetermine · prejudge · anticipate · conclude

suggest

imply

Indicate without stating

insinuateSuggest without directly stating
hintIndirect suggestion
intimateClosely personal or private

allude · prompt · lead · coach · feed · script · cue · prime · plant · steer

Opposites

accuracy of representation

put words in someone's mouthquote chapter and verse

Reference specific source location

intent and manipulation

put words in someone's mouthsteelman

Arguing strongest opposition version

take someone at their word

Family

putting, worded, wording, wordless, someone, mouths, mouthed, mouthing, mouthful

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G