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
Oversight models that depend on static scoring risk understating true exposure.
—
Bhavya Bhandari, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Their influence and their impact simply cannot be understated.
—Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026
For companies like that, the hype may actually be understated.
—Gil Mandelzis, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Rae says a milky white or soft ivory shade brightens the overall appearance of the foot, while still feeling understated.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Bhavya Bhandari, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Their influence and their impact simply cannot be understated.
—Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026
For companies like that, the hype may actually be understated.
—Gil Mandelzis, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Rae says a milky white or soft ivory shade brightens the overall appearance of the foot, while still feeling understated.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 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 4 Jun. 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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