understate

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verb un·der·state \ ˌən-dər-ˈstāt \

Definition of understate

transitive verb

1 :to represent as less than is the case

understate taxable income

2 :to state or present with restraint especially for effect

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understatement

play \ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-mənt\ noun

See understate defined for English-language learners

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Examples of understate in a Sentence

He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.

Recent Examples of understate from the Web

First, there's the pardon of controversial (to be extremely understated) former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

— dan sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Politics and Mother Nature," 28 Aug. 2017
But this year’s outfit may go down as her most understated yet.

— colleen kratofil, PEOPLE.com, "Katy Perry's MTV VMAs Dress Is Surprisingly Understated (for Katy Perry)," 27 Aug. 2017
Unlike, say, cobalt blue, this handsome shade is way understated—but different enough to make sure you'll never be mistaken for a suit.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "Rami Malek’s Suit Is Kind of Weird, and Yours Should Be, Too," 23 Aug. 2017
The report actually understated the lethality of the epidemic.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Trump declares opioid crisis is national emergency, pledges more money, attention," 11 Aug. 2017
Her shoes were lucite wedges with clear plastic straps, her phone case was a Lumee, her makeup was understated, and her hair was glossy.

— charles manning, Cosmopolitan, "Nude Kim Kardashian Gets Caught in Net While Swimming, Adds Heels, Works It," 21 July 2017
Without him, there is a lack of creative force coming out of the midfield, and his importance to the entire Swansea offence cannot be understated.

— SI.com, "Why Swansea Talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson Is Absolutely Worth £50m in Today's Market," 21 July 2017
In such company, the remaining two members, Black Dwarf and Supergiant, seemed to be significantly understated in their naming.

— graeme mcmillan, The Hollywood Reporter, "Marvel Unveils New 'Avengers: Infinity War' Villains," 15 July 2017
To say that this was well-executed spin by the president and his team understates the genius of the dishonesty.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Oh really, Bubba?," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'understate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of understate

1824

UNDERSTATE Defined for English Language Learners

understate

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verb

Definition of understate for English Language Learners

: to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is

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understate

Definition of understate

understatement

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First Known Use of understate

UNDERSTATE Defined for English Language Learners

understate

Definition of understate for English Language Learners

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understate

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understatement

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UNDERSTATE Defined for English Language Learners

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