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 impact of involuntary churn can’t be understated.
—
Vijay Menon, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The look was understated yet elegant—very befitting of an Oscar nominee.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
There is no understating the importance of finances with this hire.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Federal support for technological development was financial, of course, but Karp thinks this understates its monumental significance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Vijay Menon, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The look was understated yet elegant—very befitting of an Oscar nominee.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
There is no understating the importance of finances with this hire.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Federal support for technological development was financial, of course, but Karp thinks this understates its monumental significance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 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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