underestimate

verb

ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
Definition of underestimatenext
as in to minimize
to place too low a value on we had underestimated her ability to raise the start-up money for her own design firm

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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 underestimate Wintour clearly knew the risks, but perhaps underestimated them. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 No one should underestimate the mortal significance of medical discreetness; researchers are well aware that many patients risk their own health due to the stigma associated with requiring medical help. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 Incorporate Funky Fabrics Never underestimate the power of fabric. — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Many founders underestimate their business's true potential, especially stable, profitable ones. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underestimate
  1. minimize
  2. underrate
  3. undervalue
Verb
  • Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • To pretend otherwise, to act as if survival in these conditions is simply beyond this group, underrates them but is fundamentally far too kind to them.
    — Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Garrett Wilson is underrated and has consistently been a 1,000-yard receiver when healthy.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of underrate
Verb
  • Deutsche Bank upgrades SiriusXM to buy from hold Deutsche said shares are undervalued.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For decades, America’s dietitians have struggled against low salaries, the product of a system in which preventive care, including nutrition, is undervalued.
    — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of undervalue

Browse Nearby Words

underemployed
underestimate
underestimated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underestimate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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