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
Along the way, commentators have scuttled important details, understating or overstating the movement's potential spoils and perils.
—
Jerel Ezell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
In place of royal blues and hot pinks are understated denim blue, rich burgundy, and light-catching gold.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 7 Aug. 2025
Instead of leaning on tropical clichés, the hotel’s design stays clean, coastal, and understated.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The Elwood Oversized Tee, now just $21, is an easy win for layering, while understated yet cool sneakers like the New Balance T500 Sneakers and the $60-off Boss Kieran Low-tops round out any travel wardrobe with ease.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Jerel Ezell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
In place of royal blues and hot pinks are understated denim blue, rich burgundy, and light-catching gold.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 7 Aug. 2025
Instead of leaning on tropical clichés, the hotel’s design stays clean, coastal, and understated.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The Elwood Oversized Tee, now just $21, is an easy win for layering, while understated yet cool sneakers like the New Balance T500 Sneakers and the $60-off Boss Kieran Low-tops round out any travel wardrobe with ease.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 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 19 Aug. 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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