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

And the wide gap between affluent boomers versus the rest of their peers means the average $515,000 per-household amount overstates what most millennials and Gen Xers will actually receive. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Immigration advocates argue that birth tourism is overstated, Kim says. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

Leaders should avoid overstating future opportunities, underestimating risks or withholding information that could later create friction. — Amit Jain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The report also noted DOGE had claimed $113 million in savings from cuts to 264 leases, but GAO found that information overstated the savings. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 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