overstate

verb over·state \ ˌō-vər-ˈstāt \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of overstate

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstated his qualifications

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overstatement

play \ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt\ noun

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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 of overstate from the Web

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Price: $725,000 An adorable bungalow whose charm cannot be overstated, this three-bedroom in Charlottesville, Virginia, has so much to offer within its 1,581-square-foot space.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "Sweet 1920s bungalow wants $725K," 11 Apr. 2018
While there can be a stigma attached to prison towns, the fiscal impact cannot be overstated, Mr. Krauss said.

— timothy williams and richard a. oppel jr., New York Times, "Escapes, Riots and Beatings. But States Can’t Seem to Ditch Private Prisons.," 10 Apr. 2018
Rumors are swirling that Anna Wintour, whose influence in the fashion and publishing worlds cannot be overstated, could be on her way out at Condé Nast.

— amanda arnold, The Cut, "Vogue Says There’s ‘Zero Truth’ to Rumor That Anna Wintour Is Out at Condé Nast," 2 Apr. 2018
No sport leans on painkillers more than football, but the brutality of the baseball grind cannot be overstated and cannot be truly understood from the outside.

— kansascity, "Mellinger Minutes: Hey, look how good the Big 12 did in this year's NCAA tourney! Plus Royals and more | The Kansas City Star," 28 Mar. 2018
Cornette’s influence cannot be overstated, either on Jordan’s coaching career or on Butler’s evolution.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "How Joel Cornette's friendship with LaVall Jordan changed Butler forever," 13 Mar. 2018
The importance of fielding a stout line can’t be overstated.

— jeff potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Badgers face questions on defense as they prepare to open spring football practice," 12 Mar. 2018
The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated.

— arica l. coleman, Time, "There’s a True Story Behind Black Panther’s Strong Women. Here’s Why That Matters," 22 Feb. 2018
Cody Pickens The mark Ries has made on the startup landscape cannot be overstated.

— adam lashinsky, Fortune, "How 'The Lean Startup' Turned Eric Ries Into an Unlikely Corporate Guru," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overstate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.