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 this might understate the true price because post-pandemic construction costs have risen faster than general CPI inflation.
—
Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The decor is chicly understated with classic, subtle Hawaiiana touches, like textured grass wall treatments, tropical patterns in neutral tones, and beautiful vintage woodblock prints (there’s also a fantastic collection of art and artifacts in the lobby that shouldn’t be missed).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
The body-brain connection cannot be understated.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
For tight corners and compact rooms, Pottery Barn’s design-forward Hyde chair is a polished yet understated pick.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The decor is chicly understated with classic, subtle Hawaiiana touches, like textured grass wall treatments, tropical patterns in neutral tones, and beautiful vintage woodblock prints (there’s also a fantastic collection of art and artifacts in the lobby that shouldn’t be missed).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
The body-brain connection cannot be understated.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
For tight corners and compact rooms, Pottery Barn’s design-forward Hyde chair is a polished yet understated pick.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 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 13 Apr. 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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