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
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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 21 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
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