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
It's understated, lightweight, and comfortable, with excellent sleep tracking and health tips.
—
Wired, Wired News, 8 July 2025
The presence of an emotionally mature partner is often understated, but the impact is anything but.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Winning the Best Actor Oscar, Penn portrays a multidimensional man whose impact on the LGBTQ+ community can't be understated, and who serves as a reminder of the positive impact an everyday person can achieve.
—Sophie Van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
And not a lot of heavy lifting, to understate the case more than somewhat.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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.
Wired, Wired News, 8 July 2025
The presence of an emotionally mature partner is often understated, but the impact is anything but.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Winning the Best Actor Oscar, Penn portrays a multidimensional man whose impact on the LGBTQ+ community can't be understated, and who serves as a reminder of the positive impact an everyday person can achieve.
—Sophie Van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
And not a lot of heavy lifting, to understate the case more than somewhat.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 2 July 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 15 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share