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 effect is understated but intentional, signaling quiet luxury without a single flashy detail.
—
Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
Still, the psychological impact of seeing a sub-6% mortgage rate listed by FreddieMac can't be understated, especially following the volatility in the space in recent years.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The sesame element is understated but present.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
It cannot be understated just how strange the Webber shows were.
—Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
Still, the psychological impact of seeing a sub-6% mortgage rate listed by FreddieMac can't be understated, especially following the volatility in the space in recent years.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The sesame element is understated but present.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
It cannot be understated just how strange the Webber shows were.
—Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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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