overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates
Synonyms of overstatenext

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement
ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of overstate

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Examples of overstate in a Sentence

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death. it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Some political analysts have warned against overstating an ideological divide between Wiener and Chan. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 The Bulls’ reported interest in Mathurin, though, has been overstated, according to a league source who was granted anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 So while the streamers are swimming in eff-you money, the NFL’s opportunity to leverage all that dough as a means of encouraging its legacy partners to dig deeper in may be wildly overstated. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Durand-Ruel’s influence on the art market of the late 19th century and early 20th century is hard to overstate. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

Rhymes for overstate

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Browse Nearby Words

overstand
overstate
overstatement
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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement
-mənt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overstate

Nglish: Translation of overstate for Spanish Speakers

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