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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of understate
The independent designer is known for his refined and understated sensibility, and borrows from art, architecture and design.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
In speaking with past exhibitor Bradley Seymour of Rovi Lucca, the benefits of Pitti could not be understated.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The complexity of the problem shouldn't be understated.
—Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025
The veil added this really perfect, almost invisible volume around my head that was overstated while also being understated.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
In speaking with past exhibitor Bradley Seymour of Rovi Lucca, the benefits of Pitti could not be understated.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The complexity of the problem shouldn't be understated.
—Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025
The veil added this really perfect, almost invisible volume around my head that was overstated while also being understated.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
-
This opens a familiar interface, and based on the video attached to the announcement, the platform seems to have options to cast the video to a bigger screen or minimize it.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Try to reduce high blood pressure, manage diabetes and cholesterol, avoid smoking, and minimize alcohol intake.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Notice the costs of underplaying the conversation, which many tend to do.—
Hylke Faber,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
-
Gonski said that in addition to overstating certifiers’ responsibilities, Follow the Law’s messaging underplays the protections that already exist.—
Phoebe Petrovic,
ProPublica,
30 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Gerlach allegedly dismissed Walker’s findings and fired Mitchell anyway, according to the lawsuit.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2025
-
In his memo, Mizelle also instructed the department to dismiss three existing FACE Act cases.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA TODAY,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Despite this, Trump has downplayed climate change's role.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
-
But on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce downplayed talk about stepping up his game in the playoffs.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share