understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 
understated; understating; understates
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect
Examples of understate in a Sentence
He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lead by artistic director Alessandro Sartori, Zegna presented bomber jackets, scarfs, casual button shirts, wool jackets, shorts, and trousers that were understated while providing luster to common silhouettes.
—
Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The look was a classy, yet slightly understated, diversion from Princess Kate's past Trooping fashion.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 14 June 2025
The potential impact of a military conflict between Israel and Iran — a country of 93 million people that is nearly four times the size of Iraq — cannot be understated, both for the nations involved, and for global markets, political analysts and economists say.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 12 June 2025
Teenagers learn how to dust through social media, peer conversations, or even YouTube and TikTok videos that understate or exaggerate it, says Brooks Lape, co-founder of Start Your Recovery.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The look was a classy, yet slightly understated, diversion from Princess Kate's past Trooping fashion.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 14 June 2025
The potential impact of a military conflict between Israel and Iran — a country of 93 million people that is nearly four times the size of Iraq — cannot be understated, both for the nations involved, and for global markets, political analysts and economists say.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 12 June 2025
Teenagers learn how to dust through social media, peer conversations, or even YouTube and TikTok videos that understate or exaggerate it, says Brooks Lape, co-founder of Start Your Recovery.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
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