UNDERSTATEMENT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

understatement

noun

Definition of understatement

as in meiosis

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in restraint

Related Words

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 understatement To classify the upcoming back-to-back games as a test for the cornerbacks would be an understatement. — Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026 Justice might be an understatement — the film went on to generate an eye-watering $401 million at the global box office upon its May release. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026 To say Scott was an amazing father, brother, son, uncle, godfather and friend to all would be an understatement. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 To say that senior running back Jayden Schlosser is almost unstoppable for Oak Lawn would be an understatement. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understatement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understatement

Noun

Chromosome pairs are also essential for meiosis, the specialized type of cell division that produces sperm and eggs.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026
The media business always goes through some splitting of cells — meiosis and mitosis — but every industry leader concedes that consolidation is especially needed today.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 30 June 2026

Definition of meiosis

Noun

In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
The far-right Vox leader, Santiago Abascal, who is likely hoping to enter a coalition government with the conservatives, did not show the same restraint.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

And dry forests and parched soils significantly increase the likelihood and severity of wildfires.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
The increasing frequency and severity of combinations like drought and flooding are what climate breakdown is all about.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

New life for the Armstrong house Schreiber, who grew up in Dayton, about 60 miles south of Armstrong’s hometown, always admired him for his achievements, modesty and character.

— John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The black mesh gown swept the floor and featured a plunging V-neck bodice and pink crystallized adornments throughout, offering the musician a modicum of modesty in specific areas.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of modesty

Noun

But moderation wasn't good enough for the segregationists who made up the majority of Arkansas voters at the time.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
After running a campaign centered around moderation and appealing to both sides of the political spectrum, Hamilton will soon have to take clear positions on key policy measures that impact Kansas.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of moderation

Noun

Satin finish, soft glow Much like the origins of the mochi skin concept, the mochi skin aesthetic is rooted in the Japanese approach to beauty, where simplicity and radiance take center stage.

— Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
That process has been in place for over three decades, and Brazilians have become accustomed to its speed, simplicity, accuracy and routine.

— Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of simplicity

Noun

There was elegance in the white room’s plainness, and it could be embraced by everyone without drawing attention to stark lines of class.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
The vestiges of his fading memory flash by with a haunting plainness, the melancholy of all this Americana and the sadness of a mind ravaged by time strike the viewer plainly at the end of this maximalist piece of life-writing.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of plainness

Browse Nearby Words

understated

understatement

understatements

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Understatement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understatement. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of understatement

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fulsome

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes