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
But he’s seen as the North American anti-Trump: a cool, calm, and understated adult in the room.
—
Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
Unlike an upholstered bed frame or metal counterpart, the best wooden bed frames are the ideal foundation for a more neutral, earthy, and understated aesthetic.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2025
Even with a bold alligator bag on her arm, Jennifer Lawrence managed to make her parents’ night out ’fit look understated.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
These numbers surely understate the magnitudes of federal job loss, perhaps because many took severance pay or are appealing their discharges and view themselves as still employed.
—Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
Unlike an upholstered bed frame or metal counterpart, the best wooden bed frames are the ideal foundation for a more neutral, earthy, and understated aesthetic.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2025
Even with a bold alligator bag on her arm, Jennifer Lawrence managed to make her parents’ night out ’fit look understated.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
These numbers surely understate the magnitudes of federal job loss, perhaps because many took severance pay or are appealing their discharges and view themselves as still employed.
—Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Apr. 2025
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In relationships, this dynamic plays out as toxic positivity — the tendency to dismiss or minimize distress in favor of maintaining an upbeat tone.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To describe the United States’ military interventions as mishandled, for example, is to criminally underplay their impact.—
Emma Ashford,
Foreign Affairs,
29 May 2020
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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
Verb
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On March 4, the day the order to show cause was to be heard, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Heyman dismissed fans on social media who have failed to give Rollins his flowers, saying he’s seen pro wrestlers fail in the ring and seen praise on social media for them while others spout nonsense while ignoring historical facts.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The country subsequently downplayed the initiative, but has doubled-down on domestic tech development given U.S. restrictions in the last several years.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Kennedy downplayed diagnostic shift as a minor explanation for the increase in autism cases, but researchers have found that changes in diagnosis probably explain a majority of the increase.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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