overstate
verb
over·state
ˌō-vər-ˈstāt 
overstated; overstating; overstates
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
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
In September, the BLS released a preliminary benchmark estimate that job growth was overstated by 911,000 in the 12-month period preceding March 2025.
—
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
One cannot overstate the role the United States—and Trump personally—plays in validating Russia as a great power and Putin as a global leader.
—Thomas Graham, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2025
Powell made the striking admission the Fed believes the official payroll figures—which have slowed sharply since the summer—are overstating job growth by roughly 60,000 per month.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
The finale overstates its hand but still packs an emotional punch.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstate
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.
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
One cannot overstate the role the United States—and Trump personally—plays in validating Russia as a great power and Putin as a global leader.
—Thomas Graham, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2025
Powell made the striking admission the Fed believes the official payroll figures—which have slowed sharply since the summer—are overstating job growth by roughly 60,000 per month.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
The finale overstates its hand but still packs an emotional punch.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstate
Cite this Entry
“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share