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
Amszke Vegan Leather Saddle Bag Structured and understated, this vegan leather saddle bag channels the equestrian roots of classic prep style.
—
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Some overstate the role of violence, others understate it.
—Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
But with percentages so volatile this early in the season, the influence of sheer randomness should not be understated.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
While D’Angelo’s influence transcends genre, it cannot be understated how extensively R&B and neo-soul, in particular, were shaped by his music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Some overstate the role of violence, others understate it.
—Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
But with percentages so volatile this early in the season, the influence of sheer randomness should not be understated.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
While D’Angelo’s influence transcends genre, it cannot be understated how extensively R&B and neo-soul, in particular, were shaped by his music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 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 22 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share