Definition of overstatenext
as in to exaggerate
to describe or express in too strong terms it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the "on" button!

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overstate Weather concerns are also frequently overstated. Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The depth Helenius and Ostlund have given the forward group is tough to overstate. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 In some ways, tech’s rightward shift in 2024 was overstated. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 Earlier this month, Suzanne Jimenez, chief of staff at SEIU-UHW, told The New York Times that claims about an exodus of billionaires from the state were overstated. Linh Tat, Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstate
exaggerate
Verb
  • Companies are exaggerating their AI capabilities to raise their value and, in turn, creating a host of problems for executives and employees alike.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
  • But those spikes will be exaggerated by the power drain from expanding technologies like artificial intelligence and by government decarbonization policies such as those that promote electric vehicle use and electric home heating systems.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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