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
But in her eyes the urgency of the climate crisis cannot be understated.
—
Simmone Shah, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
With a pixie cut, Duwaji’s personal style leans toward the understated, including her pairing of long shorts with an oversize buckle, midriff-skimming one-shoulder top and cowboy boots.
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The Verona remains one of Madison Avenue’s architectural standouts—a mix of early 20th-century craftsmanship and understated New York glamour.
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No one has ever accused Kim Kardashian of being understated.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2025
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Simmone Shah, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
With a pixie cut, Duwaji’s personal style leans toward the understated, including her pairing of long shorts with an oversize buckle, midriff-skimming one-shoulder top and cowboy boots.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 12 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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