as in to minimize
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
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 understate
But even Macron may be understating the sweeping breadth of Musk’s international influence.
—
David Ingram, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2025
With the arrival of pitchers and catchers, one of the coldest and miserly baseball offseasons in memory is nearing conclusion, and it can’t be understated that, other than the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets (on one player), hardly any team spent any money.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025
The history of the moment can also not be understated, with Obama not only serving as the first Black president, but also entering the office at a time when the global financial system was on the verge of collapse.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
But these estimates of the direct effects understate what the total effects are likely to be after accounting for the likely secondary effects.
—Ray Dalio, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
David Ingram, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2025
With the arrival of pitchers and catchers, one of the coldest and miserly baseball offseasons in memory is nearing conclusion, and it can’t be understated that, other than the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets (on one player), hardly any team spent any money.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025
The history of the moment can also not be understated, with Obama not only serving as the first Black president, but also entering the office at a time when the global financial system was on the verge of collapse.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
But these estimates of the direct effects understate what the total effects are likely to be after accounting for the likely secondary effects.
—Ray Dalio, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
-
Windows users can minimize data collection by adjusting their privacy settings under 'Diagnostics & feedback.' 2.—
Alex Vakulov,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regulations like the Clean Air Act help minimize the public’s exposure to these industrial emissions.—
Yong Kwon / Made by History,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Some companies overstate the benefits while underplaying the hazards.—
Aimee Pugh Bernard,
The Conversation,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Notice the costs of underplaying the conversation, which many tend to do.—
Hylke Faber,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Coach Joe Wyatt, formerly an El Camino Real head coach, was dismissed by the Royals in 2022.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Starmer also dismissed calls to cancel a royal invitation from King Charles to the U.S. President for a U.K. state visit, an offer presented by the British leader at the Oval Office Thursday.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Fahmy, like the security experts who spoke with CNN, downplayed the real-life impact of the media chatter about an impending war, but all were worried by its growing intensity.—
Sarah El Sirgany,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
-
That is not to say that Koepka downplays the importance of the mental toughness required to win a major.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share