as in to minimize
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of understate
Vince crafts understated luxury from California, and that effortlessness can be seen on each item.
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Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Photograph: Simon Hill Nomad Mount MagSafe Car Mount for $32 ($13 off)
Nomad
Classy and understated, this durable magnetic vent mount is a black glass square with rounded corners and a circular, rubbery magnetic pad in the middle.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Photograph: Simon Hill Nomad Mount MagSafe Car Mount for $32 ($13 off)
Nomad
Classy and understated, this durable magnetic vent mount is a black glass square with rounded corners and a circular, rubbery magnetic pad in the middle.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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Through the park search, the NYPD has taken steps to minimize disruption to visitors, leading to an odd juxtaposition of joggers, tourists and an active crime scene.Cedar Attanasio and Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
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By emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mutual respect and shared goals, HR leaders can minimize disruptions while maximizing team effectiveness. 4.Melanie Hughes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In this controversial Claire Denis work, her longtime themes of desire and survival are crystallized in a dead-eyed probe into understanding our most base impulses and the tension underplaying unsteady erotic connections.Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
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Just using endorsement badges to facilitate user choice could be underplaying its value, however.London Business School, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The case was previously scheduled to go to trial in August 2025, but is now expected to be dismissed.Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
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The charges were later dismissed and Nifong was disbarred.Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Trying to downplay or outright ignore the crisis will only make a brand look bad in the eyes of consumers.Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Closely Monitoring Syria's Chemical Weapons After Assad Ouster Blinken Trusted to 'Lead' Safe Exit Earlier this year, House Republicans released a critical report blaming Biden's administration for missteps during the withdrawal, while downplaying Trump's role.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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