as in minimizes
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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Recent Examples of understates
In practice, that means the median sales price of new homes understates the actual discount, because many concessions don’t show up in the data.
—
Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understates
Verb
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This holistic process minimizes delays, prevents budget overruns, and produces outcomes that meet aesthetic, regulatory, and performance goals.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Our first responsibility is to honor our commitments and wind down in a way that minimizes harm from the rescission.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ashton also dismisses the concerns that a three-year degree lacks the many electives and opportunities for self-discovery.—
Bryan Penprase,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Trump's approach dismisses collective security and weakens NATO's cohesion.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Critics argue this approach lacks clarity and downplays the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
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Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understates. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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