understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
understated; understating; understates

transitive verb

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 The magnitude of the victory cannot be understated: Oakland has little pedigree compared to Kentucky, a college basketball juggernaut with a long track history of producing NBA talent and the second-most national championships in history (eight). Ben Morse, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 The weight and power of that distinction cannot be understated. Joe Reedy, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024 To say that was rare during the Gilded age of the late 1800s is understating it. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 17 Mar. 2024 It can’t be understated how jarring this monologue is. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2024 The survey slightly understated backing for Schiff, who also has 32%, and overstated support for Porter, who currently sits at 15%. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 She’s beautifully understated, adding an overwhelming sense of romantic yearning with even the smallest glances and gestures. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 Set in a former 14th-century mansion and replete with historic finishes like original frescoes, this boutique property is understated yet striking. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 The entrance is constrained and understated, with a wall directly in front of the visitor. Kristina Linnea Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understate was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near understate

Cite this Entry

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

understate

verb
un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
understatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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