Understand that 'mistime' indicates a failure to act at the right moment, which can lead to undesirable outcomes. Trying to surprise her, he mistimed the celebration and the birthday girl walked in on the preparations.
Pro Tip 2/3
Action Specific
'Mistime' often relates to physical actions in sports or tasks requiring precise timing. I mistimed my step and tripped on the sidewalk.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Intentional
'Mistime' implies that the wrong timing was accidental, not done on purpose. She mistimed her entrance onto the stage, but it was just an honest mistake.