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

Game publishing is the other new pillar, and Yang is careful not to overstate DRX’s edge there this early. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Nordic Rail Network Still Under Construction The Nordic rail revival should not be overstated, however. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

This may be overstated, but Scarlett Johansson, then residing in the country, won a 2014 decision in French court against a French author who, in a novel, depicted a Johansson doppelganger as carrying out multiple affairs. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Our results almost certainly overstate how well these tools perform outside the clinic. — Arya Rao, STAT, 19 Aug. 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