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

Concerns are overblown Economists told CNBC that the comparison with Japan overstates the immediate danger. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Klosterman’s projection may overstate the extent to which theatres will become inaccessible to the average person, but the proposition also doesn’t seem so far-fetched. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 22 July 2026

Coffee’s Effect on Hydration Coffee has a reputation for being dehydrating, but that is largely overstated for most coffee drinkers. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

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

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