overstate

1 of 2

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt 

overstated; overstating; overstates

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstated his qualifications

overstatement

ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt 

noun

overstatement

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of overstating : exaggeration

2

: an exaggerated statement or account

Synonyms of overstate

Verb

• exaggerate

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

Verb

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death.

it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The question is why so many otherwise capable professionals feel compelled to overstate their AI skills in the first place. — Susan Jacobson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The key is to overstate what’s known by blurring the lines between the proven and the speculative. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

The influence of SpaceX on China’s commercial space industry is difficult to overstate. — Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026

These advocates accuse law enforcement and politicians of overstating the human trafficking problem on Figueroa in order to justify more police actions and the passage of harsher laws. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1792, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overstate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

overstate

verb

over·​state -ˈstāt 

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstatement

-mənt 

noun