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
My appreciation for the show is understated and appropriately so, since Bodkin is a show about a group of storytellers who go looking for something flashy and commercial, only to find something sadder and more human instead.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 May 2024
However, the influence of Black culture on the social media platform can’t be understated.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 May 2024
However, the influence of Black culture on the social media platform can’t be understated.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 15 May. 2024.
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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