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
Standard accounting practices based on historical cost and depreciation schedules currently understate the actual replacement cost of legacy investments.
—
Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The impact of City’s commercial growth can hardly be understated.
—Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
The overall effect reminds us of a shibori dye—understated and elegant enough to make the whole room feel slightly more special.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025
Taurasi’s retirement itself was understated, announced via a story in TIME Magazine on a Tuesday evening in February, but her legacy will loom large over women’s basketball for decades to come.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The impact of City’s commercial growth can hardly be understated.
—Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
The overall effect reminds us of a shibori dye—understated and elegant enough to make the whole room feel slightly more special.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025
Taurasi’s retirement itself was understated, announced via a story in TIME Magazine on a Tuesday evening in February, but her legacy will loom large over women’s basketball for decades to come.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 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 3 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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