understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
understated; understating; understates

transitive verb

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
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.
The risks should not be understated. Hassan Hassan, Time, 11 Oct. 2025 Every piece—from the theatrical to the understated, from statement makers to little touches—is seen as a portal into Jacobs’s world. Erin Cunningham, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 Running from lane six, one inside Jackson, Jefferson-Wooden’s behaviour at the starting blocks was understated. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 It can’t be understated how much of a head start Google has in AI. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understate

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understate was in 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

understate

verb
un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
understatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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