as in to minimize
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 understate
Is your everyday pair understated enough to pair with any ‘ole top in your closet?
—
Essence Wiley, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
For patrician statesmen, grandeur is usually understated, radiating restraint rather than gawk-inspiring shows of brazen wealth.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Lester Isariuz is understated, warm and engaging as Shreddy Eddy, who trains and ultimately falls in love with The Nina.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
The actors seem tuned to one another like musicians in an orchestra, and Romvari guides them through performances that feel neither overplayed or understated.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Essence Wiley, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
For patrician statesmen, grandeur is usually understated, radiating restraint rather than gawk-inspiring shows of brazen wealth.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Lester Isariuz is understated, warm and engaging as Shreddy Eddy, who trains and ultimately falls in love with The Nina.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
The actors seem tuned to one another like musicians in an orchestra, and Romvari guides them through performances that feel neither overplayed or understated.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
-
Effective vole control includes keeping grass mowed, minimizing mulch, using traps, and protecting young trees with hardware cloth tubes.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
-
For as long as medicine has been practiced, women’s health concerns have been minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed.—
Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sometimes the functional sibling learns to compensate or cover for the dysfunctional one, to underplay strengths or wear a mask.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Others say such comments underplay the consequences of the oil blockade.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Federal Court Justice James Stellios ruled in dismissing the appeal that no jurisdiction error was made in 2024 by then Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus in ordering Duggan's extradition.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Maasdorp called for a pivot toward investment, capital mobilization, and regional integration, saying BII was looking to forge partnerships that de-risk investment in markets long dismissed as too volatile.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The NYT‘s profile either downplayed or omitted all of these glaring ethical red flags.—
Maggie Harrison Dupré,
Futurism,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The organization has sought to downplay the news, sharing it on LinkedIn on Thursday rather than issuing a formal press release or splashy social media post to avoid detracting from Fashion Revolution Week.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
