understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 
understated; understating; understates
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect
Examples of understate in a Sentence
He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
The hotel’s 88 rooms, including 25 suites created by award-winning design studio Jaime Beriestain, are understated in ivory, dove gray, and the occasional dash of teal velvet, with Egyptian cotton bed linens and goose down comforters.
—
Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
The importance of wildfire preparedness cannot be understated.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The rooms The rooms are classic, clean, and understated, with a colonial-Mediterranean style that offers timber floors and plantation shutters.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
This piece is understated enough to mix in with a variety of styles, and its classic shape leans timeless over trendy.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
The importance of wildfire preparedness cannot be understated.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The rooms The rooms are classic, clean, and understated, with a colonial-Mediterranean style that offers timber floors and plantation shutters.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
This piece is understated enough to mix in with a variety of styles, and its classic shape leans timeless over trendy.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
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