as in minimizing
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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Recent Examples of understating
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.
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Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no understating the authenticity of Jelly Roll.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
The beer segment continues to do the heavy lifting — and that might even be understating it.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no understating the authenticity of Jelly Roll.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
The beer segment continues to do the heavy lifting — and that might even be understating it.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understating
Verb
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In addition to minimizing the effects of UV damage, this serum also features pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract—both of which help to dissolve dead skin cells, thus reducing the appearance of pores, acne, and overall dullness.Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Dec. 2024
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Sponsorship and partnership initiatives continue to push these benefits, as highlighted by NASCAR's VP of Partnership Marketing, Michelle Byron, who has commented on the dedication of partners like Growth Energy in minimizing NASCAR's environmental footprint.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The issue of whether and how to change the Supreme Court is deeply polarizing along partisan lines, with many Democrats demanding change in recent years and most Republicans dismissing those demands as efforts to stop the court's shift to the right.Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
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In late November, the team fired general manager Joe Douglas, just six weeks after dismissing head coach Robert Saleh.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Generalizing positivity in all situations can lead to denying or downplaying real emotions or even logical counterarguments to a superficially optimistic perception.Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
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Tangent Vance doubled down on his claims, insisting on CNN that constituents reported to his office directly that their pets were being taken and eaten and accusing the media of downplaying the incidents.Sara Dorn, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near understating
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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