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
The Verona remains one of Madison Avenue’s architectural standouts—a mix of early 20th-century craftsmanship and understated New York glamour.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
No one has ever accused Kim Kardashian of being understated.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2025
There is no understating the size and weight of the Panthers losing team captain Aleksander Barkov to season-ending knee surgery, the recovery time set at seven to nine months.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
It was all suitably muted and understated.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
No one has ever accused Kim Kardashian of being understated.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2025
There is no understating the size and weight of the Panthers losing team captain Aleksander Barkov to season-ending knee surgery, the recovery time set at seven to nine months.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
It was all suitably muted and understated.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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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