overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates
Synonyms of overstatenext

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement noun

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

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
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.
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has also faced accusations from Republicans of overstating his career as an oyster farmer. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2026 That overstates his closeness to the Russian president. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 Other men have adopted a more defensive posture, claiming to overstate their height only because everyone else is doing it. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026 The crime threat is also often overstated, particularly as Baltimore’s historic reduction in violent crime continues. Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement noun

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