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

That is not to overstate what those four produced with the Heat, with a sum total of zero playoff-game victories over the past two seasons, only one over the past three. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

The value of Messi’s unobtrusive search-lighting of the field is hard to overstate. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026

As flows migrate, the data will overstate how much families stopped receiving and understate how much simply changed rails. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Concrete proof But HHS seems to be wildly overstating the magnitude of the issue. — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 July 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