understatement

Definition of understatementnext

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 Judging by some of the examples laid out above, that last sentence is, if anything, an understatement. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 To say Antonelli has thrived this season is an understatement. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 27 June 2026 To say the world has become more complex, uncertain and faster paced over the past four decades is an understatement. Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 To say Knicks fever took over New York City is perhaps the biggest understatement of the year, with the Big Apple exploding with an electric energy (with sky-high ticket prices to match) as the team defeated the San Antonio Spurs in this year’s NBA Finals. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 22 June 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
Noun
  • Because when everyone can generate content instantly, the real scarcity becomes originality, along with perspective, taste, restraint and conviction.
    Adam Taylor, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Indiana continues to emphasize fiscal restraint and has approved further tax reductions.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Asserting claims for tortious interference, civil conspiracy, commercial disparagement and violations of Illinois consumer fraud laws, the Butlers sought more than $50 million in compensatory damages and over $200 million in punitive damages.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 June 2026
  • These disparagements cut to the core of southern manhood.
    Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Newcastle feared an even more punitive settlement and spent months in dialogue and face-to-face meetings with UEFA officials to try to reduce the severity of the punishments.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Scientists say climate change from human activities is making conditions like drought more common, thus increasing the size, frequency and severity of wildfires.
    Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • That means no social media accounts, personal possessions or handling money, and the practice of celibacy and modesty.
    Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Let your natural modesty carry confidence, and speak with calm clarity.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Consumer attitudes, especially among Gen-Z, have shifted dramatically over the past few years, with many placing greater value on moderation, home consumption, and low-alcohol lifestyles.
    Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
  • One faction argues that battle-ground states are won by re-assuring swing voters and projecting moderation.
    Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Apple’s entire business is predicated on the consumer desire for simplicity.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
  • But beyond speed and simplicity, the Breakaway/Build model also requires trust.
    Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The sheer fact of filming fills a frame, even one composed with quasi-documentary plainness, with a plethora of details of narrative, expressive, aesthetic, intellectual, and historical import.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
  • To understand why men might have adopted a clothing system that prioritized plainness and conformity over color and change, this book investigates the gradual crystallization of this civic uniform of masculinity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understatement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understatement. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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