overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates
Synonyms of overstatenext

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Health experts say there’s a grain of truth to that idea, but the benefits of this combo may be overstated. Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026 Housing analysts, however, say the influence of institutional investors has been overstated, and that a longstanding shortage of homes is the primary reason why houses have become increasingly unaffordable. Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026 The twin crises of Cuba The scale of the tragedy is hard to overstate. Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026 The Tribune claimed that the city was overstating the success of the Blue Bag program by determining the recycling rate only when considering garbage sorted at MRRFs when, in fact, a lot of recyclables were going to waste transfer stations where they were hauled to landfills. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overstate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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