The mistaken use of a word that sounds much like the intended word is referred to as __________.

The term that describes the mistaken use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word is malapropism. This linguistic phenomenon typically occurs when a speaker substitutes a word with a similar-sounding word, often leading to a humorous or nonsensical effect. Malapropisms can showcase the speaker's wit or creativity but can also reveal a misunderstanding of the correct word.

For example, if someone says "He is the pineapple of politeness" instead of "He is the pinnacle of politeness," it alters the meaning while remaining phonetically close. This unique aspect of language not only highlights the importance of understanding word meanings but also illustrates how phonetic similarity can lead to communication errors.

In contrast, hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, anagram involves rearranging letters of a word to create another, and metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things. Each of these terms operates within its own context, separate from the concept of malapropism.