understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 
understated; understating; understates
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect
Examples of understate in a Sentence
He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland’s influence on this team can’t be understated.
—
Ben Standig, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
While Justice Jackson’s cowrie shell collar is not credited to any particular brand, their influence on Monday isn’t understated.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
Style News The first lady's look was unexpectedly understated.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2025
The importance of Charboneau, the team’s lone returning starter this season, cannot be understated.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate 
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Ben Standig, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
While Justice Jackson’s cowrie shell collar is not credited to any particular brand, their influence on Monday isn’t understated.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
Style News The first lady's look was unexpectedly understated.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2025
The importance of Charboneau, the team’s lone returning starter this season, cannot be understated.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
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