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

Companies that overstate their capabilities may face regulatory investigations, securities litigation, reputational damage, and valuation pressure. —Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Iran is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, but, as an expert explains to Isaac Chotiner, the two countries’ ties have been overstated. —Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026

The real story isn’t that AI demand is fake or overstated. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Grounding researchers describe this as a form of electrical disconnection from the natural world that may be contributing to the rise in chronic inflammatory conditions — a framing worth including without overstating causation. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overstate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

overstate

verb

over·​state -ˈstāt 

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstatement

-mənt 

noun