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
But those numbers may actually understate the rise of 7-OH, Thompson said.
—
David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, early research on AI adoption suggests that entry-level hiring in technology and information services is already being reshaped, a development Zandi believes may be understated in traditional datasets but is nonetheless starting to influence the distribution of job opportunities.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
This understates the conflict’s stakes and in particular the risk of rewarding and thereby normalizing Russia’s zeal to control Ukraine.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
The tasting is intentionally understated.
—John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, early research on AI adoption suggests that entry-level hiring in technology and information services is already being reshaped, a development Zandi believes may be understated in traditional datasets but is nonetheless starting to influence the distribution of job opportunities.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
This understates the conflict’s stakes and in particular the risk of rewarding and thereby normalizing Russia’s zeal to control Ukraine.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
The tasting is intentionally understated.
—John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
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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