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
Another study for the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests the NCES numbers may understate the problem.
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IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
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IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Today, romantasy’s staying power can’t be understated.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Nothing understated about Taylor-Johnson’s shawl collar.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The moment is understated and wholly romantic — a meeting, if not a harmony, of hearts and minds.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 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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