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
Capitol Reef is vast, uncrowded, and spectacular in a way that’s simultaneously understated and otherworldly.
—
Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
The mortal wound is not physical, the book, so far from being a melodrama, is very brilliantly understated.
—Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025
The fashion this season seems a bit more toned down, understated.
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But Moyer’s understated productivity into his late 40s is essentially unprecedented and unreplicated.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
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Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
The mortal wound is not physical, the book, so far from being a melodrama, is very brilliantly understated.
—Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025
The fashion this season seems a bit more toned down, understated.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
But Moyer’s understated productivity into his late 40s is essentially unprecedented and unreplicated.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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