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

Attorneys for plaintiffs in the case say Hochman is vastly overstating the level of fraud and relying on databases with faulty information about who was incarcerated in county custody as a juvenile. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Later analyses found the participants in the study were older than most women starting hormone replacement therapy and the risks of taking it were overstated. — Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 26 June 2026

Lydia’s importance to world history is difficult to overstate. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 June 2026

The 106-Gigawatt Shadow The scale of the challenge is difficult to overstate. — Dr. Dick Bridy, Forbes.com, 26 June 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