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!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lydia’s importance to world history is difficult to overstate.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
It can’t be overstated how Davidson’s big swing on Byram will likely be felt one way or another within the Blackhawks for many years to come.
—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Some of the world’s most powerful companies downplay the dangers posed by plastics and overstate the ability to recycle them, the Tribune found.
—
Michael Hawthorne,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
This is not overstating a point for dramatic effect.
—
Nick Pietruszkiewicz,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overstate
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
It can’t be overstated how Davidson’s big swing on Byram will likely be felt one way or another within the Blackhawks for many years to come.
—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Some of the world’s most powerful companies downplay the dangers posed by plastics and overstate the ability to recycle them, the Tribune found.
—
Michael Hawthorne,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
This is not overstating a point for dramatic effect.
—
Nick Pietruszkiewicz,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overstate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstate
exaggerate
Verb
-
One sure focus is the rampant grade inflation that exaggerates student achievement and has made graduating high school close to meaningless as an indicator of college preparedness.
-
Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
Cite this Entry
“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
