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
Even with a bold alligator bag on her arm, Jennifer Lawrence managed to make her parents’ night out ’fit look understated.
—
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
These numbers surely understate the magnitudes of federal job loss, perhaps because many took severance pay or are appealing their discharges and view themselves as still employed.
—Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The importance of the trenches to this offense – especially with Tua Tagovailoa at the helm – cannot be understated.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Because today’s 35- to 44-year-olds are also forming households at a lower rate, that number is likely understated, according to the research.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
These numbers surely understate the magnitudes of federal job loss, perhaps because many took severance pay or are appealing their discharges and view themselves as still employed.
—Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The importance of the trenches to this offense – especially with Tua Tagovailoa at the helm – cannot be understated.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Because today’s 35- to 44-year-olds are also forming households at a lower rate, that number is likely understated, according to the research.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 14 Apr. 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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