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

• exaggerate
• overdo
• overdraw
• put on

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

Bill Simon, who ran Walmart U.S. from 2010 to 2014, suggests the company may be overstating challenges tied to tariffs. —Stephanie Landsman, CNBC, 15 May 2025

Kroger took issue with the findings, saying the investigation greatly overstates the pricing issues. —Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 May 2025

Enough of lamenting the losses and overstating the gains. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025

Simon Cowell recently shared his concern that decades on television as a judge for American Idol, The X Factor, and America's Got Talent may have overstated his powers of discernment a bit. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 May 2025

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