overstate

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

Synonyms of overstate

• exaggerate

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

Someone might overstate their income and still make every payment. — Mike De Vere, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Becerra argued the claims were overstated and said his agency had narrow oversight over the children. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The documentary asserts Musk has vastly overstated the capacities of Tesla vehicles, dazzling 60 Minutes’ Lesley Stahl and other journalists with displays of his electric cars proceeding under their own guidance, while hiding a frightening reality. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Despite the anxiety over job losses, Christopher Boudreaux, an economics professor at Florida Atlantic University, said fears that AI will broadly replace workers are often overstated. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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