overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement noun

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death. it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to claim a 2nd payment from the Equifax data breach settlement The study’s authors have issued a correction, saying a typo led them to overstate the threat level posed by the flame retardant. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 Just last month, Zoom was criticized for overstating its security. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Once cannot overstate how good steering wheel design effects a drive experience. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 But a few congressional seats flipped from Republican to Democrat — which makes Mitchell wonder if any rightward shift is a blip or overstated. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overstate 

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

Dictionary Entries Near overstate

Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overstate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!