UNDERSTATE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

understate

verb

Definition of understate

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.

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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 The findings suggest current methods may be understating the amount of PFAS present in water. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Anderson’s cover is string-heavy and tropical in nature, but where Buffett sang it with a forceful voice, Anderson goes for soft and understated, allowing both men’s versions to stand distinctly on their own. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026 The menu may describe its approach as simple, but there’s nothing understated about the flavors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The bags are really understated, but in a timeless, classic way—they're so well-made. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate

Verb

The seat is opening up because of Daines’s retirement, who chose not to run for a third term minutes before the March filing deadline to minimize the risk that Alme would attract a major challenger.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Washington and European capitals are now trying to minimize their exposure.

— Tom Moerenhout, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

State officials dismissed the allegation as speculation but explicitly warned the Authority not to pay higher rates for work assigned to those $35-an-hour positions.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Insurance agent Ken McFeeters filed a lawsuit challenging the senator’s eligibility based on residency requirements, but the lawsuit was dismissed.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Musk has downplayed the sales slump at Tesla, focusing on the company’s future as a maker of autonomous vehicles and taxis.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
In his closing arguments Monday, Nov 2, attorney Ian Winter worked to discredit and downplay the six women whose allegations anchor the criminal case against Brand (via Sky News).

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of downplay

Browse Nearby Words

understands

understate

understated

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Style

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of understate

verb

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