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
What works: Adidas Gazelles, Nike Blazers, or sleek Balenciaga runners—something understated and elongated that keeps the silhouette intentional.
—
Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
The risks of serious problems with Starlink should not be understated, either.
—Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
And even this understates the gap between her accomplishments and those of the other youngest players on the tour.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
This wine decanter is frankly understated for Alessi (compare, for example, to this coffee maker), but its exaggerated angles evoke the midcentury retrofuturism they are known for.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
The risks of serious problems with Starlink should not be understated, either.
—Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
And even this understates the gap between her accomplishments and those of the other youngest players on the tour.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
This wine decanter is frankly understated for Alessi (compare, for example, to this coffee maker), but its exaggerated angles evoke the midcentury retrofuturism they are known for.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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Such programs help ensure that employees behave ethically and minimize disruptions to business operations—an attractive feature for building and maintaining intercompany relationships.—
Robert Anello,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Regular use helps to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce dryness, and create a smoother, more polished look.3 8.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And David Rosenberg subtly underplays Alex, an American ex-pat who’s haunted by ghosts of his own.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
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Mainstream economists, however, believe Trump may be underplaying how damaging his policies could be.—
David Goldman,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The case was dismissed after the judge overseeing the case ruled prosecutors did not properly turn over evidence to the defense.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
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In the leadup to the settlement, Judge Frederick Chung denied the county’s motion to dismiss the case at the summary judgment phase that determines whether a lawsuit proceeds to trial.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Trump and other top administration officials have downplayed the use of the Signal to discuss the attack, saying classified information was not shared in the chat, despite the exchange including information on the weapons systems being used and the timing of the strikes.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2025
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However, their skills were often downplayed by claims that they’d been signed to generate ticket sales and boost interest in the struggling league.—
Callie Maddox,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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