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
The positive impacts of this care can’t be understated.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 7 May 2025
Travelers can immerse themselves in very Hollywood, mini movie experience before boarding.
SAS Lounge in Copenhagen: Showers with speakers
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has a flagship lounge in Copenhagen Airport that is understated but thought out.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
On her first Met Gala outing, Bey went understated in a pale pink column gown by Armani Privé.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 May 2025
Others, however, don't quite hit the mark, either going too understated for such a lavish event or serving looks but not accurately fulfilling the night's theme.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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wendy Wisner, Parents, 7 May 2025
Travelers can immerse themselves in very Hollywood, mini movie experience before boarding.
SAS Lounge in Copenhagen: Showers with speakers
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has a flagship lounge in Copenhagen Airport that is understated but thought out.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
On her first Met Gala outing, Bey went understated in a pale pink column gown by Armani Privé.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 May 2025
Others, however, don't quite hit the mark, either going too understated for such a lavish event or serving looks but not accurately fulfilling the night's theme.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 May 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 May. 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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