as in to exaggerate
to describe or express in too strong terms
it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the "on" button!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overstate
The researchers involved in the study are careful not to overstate what the findings mean.
—
New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026
Health experts say there’s a grain of truth to that idea, but the benefits of this combo may be overstated.
—Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Housing analysts, however, say the influence of institutional investors has been overstated, and that a longstanding shortage of homes is the primary reason why houses have become increasingly unaffordable.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
The twin crises of Cuba The scale of the tragedy is hard to overstate.
—Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overstate
New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026
Health experts say there’s a grain of truth to that idea, but the benefits of this combo may be overstated.
—Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Housing analysts, however, say the influence of institutional investors has been overstated, and that a longstanding shortage of homes is the primary reason why houses have become increasingly unaffordable.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
The twin crises of Cuba The scale of the tragedy is hard to overstate.
—Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overstate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstate
exaggerate
Verb
-
Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
-
For instance, Venus opposing Jupiter retrograde can exaggerate desires or emotional spending, while the sun, Mars and Mercury opposing Jupiter can result in overextension or impulsive decision-making.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
