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
Despite our efforts to provide accurate information, the editorial board’s column understates UCHealth’s uncompensated care, mischaracterizes our service to Medicaid patients and perpetuates misconceptions about investment income.
—
Elizabeth B. Concordia, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
Despite its warning, the LAO understates the significance.
—Joshua Rauh, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
This understates the conflict’s stakes and in particular the risk of rewarding and thereby normalizing Russia’s zeal to control Ukraine.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
The result is a headline inflation rate that understates the pain for the median household.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Elizabeth B. Concordia, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
Despite its warning, the LAO understates the significance.
—Joshua Rauh, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
This understates the conflict’s stakes and in particular the risk of rewarding and thereby normalizing Russia’s zeal to control Ukraine.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
The result is a headline inflation rate that understates the pain for the median household.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understates
Verb
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For a more permanent setup, mounting it on the ceiling keeps the projector out of the way and minimizes the risk of people, pets, or objects impeding the projection.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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One that minimizes partisan conflict and builds partnerships for success.—
Arne Carlson,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Leadership that dismisses or undermines inclusion inflicts real harm on students, faculty, and staff.—
Wanda James,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
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Lanthimos dismisses any anxiety the industry might have about accommodating neurodivergent performers.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hill downplays it a little bit more, but of course, getting to design a version of the creature has been the dream of a lifetime.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
3 Dec. 2025
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Some said the removal of the black box warning from all forms of hormone therapy — particularly pills, which deliver estrogen to the entire body — isn’t scientifically justified and downplays evidence of real risks of longer-term use.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understates. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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