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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understate
Crafted in gold-toned bronze, its coloring is understated and elegant, allowing the designer to work with a more experimental shape.
—
Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
In contrast to any expectations of bravado his work might engender, his demeanor was courteous, understated, his conversation as sharp and perceptive as his art.
—Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
In the Gilded Age, inflating assets and understating liabilities was standard practice across a booming system.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Many wisdoms intrinsic to permaculture long predate the term—it cannot be understated how much stems from indigenous knowledge and was passed down from generations before, from these ancestral stewards who listened to, and trusted, the land.
—Catherine Habgood
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
In contrast to any expectations of bravado his work might engender, his demeanor was courteous, understated, his conversation as sharp and perceptive as his art.
—Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
In the Gilded Age, inflating assets and understating liabilities was standard practice across a booming system.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Many wisdoms intrinsic to permaculture long predate the term—it cannot be understated how much stems from indigenous knowledge and was passed down from generations before, from these ancestral stewards who listened to, and trusted, the land.
—Catherine Habgood
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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SpaceX took steps to minimize the chances that the problem would recur on Flight 8.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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The Brooke High Rise Straight, a narrow straight leg, is finished with laser technology to minimize water usage.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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China rejects this view and has blasted Taipei for underplaying the role of Chinese Communists in defeating Imperial Japan.—
Jan Camenzind Broomby,
NPR,
2 Sep. 2025
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Bader gives a sharp, subtle performance, underplaying in scenes where even an experienced actor might chomp down.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And Tucker Carlson has gained attention with his own programming distributed via social and digital media, Their audiences can be smaller and more disparate than the ones that come to mainstream news outlets, but in an era of cord-cutting, their niche power is not to be dismissed.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
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In February, following a SAG Award win for her breakout role in Shōgun, Anna Sawai dismissed rumors that she had been cast as Yoko Ono for the film series.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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City leaders are downplaying speculation about a potential serial killer, but retired NYPD Sgt.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial oppression and sexism.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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