as in minimizing
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 understating
In the Gilded Age, inflating assets and understating liabilities was standard practice across a booming system.
—
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
There is no understating the size and weight of the Panthers losing team captain Aleksander Barkov to knee surgery expected to be season-ending — a massive blow that reverberates across hockey.
—Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Along the way, commentators have scuttled important details, understating or overstating the movement's potential spoils and perils.
—Jerel Ezell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no understating the authenticity of Jelly Roll.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
The beer segment continues to do the heavy lifting — and that might even be understating it.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
There is no understating the size and weight of the Panthers losing team captain Aleksander Barkov to knee surgery expected to be season-ending — a massive blow that reverberates across hockey.
—Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Along the way, commentators have scuttled important details, understating or overstating the movement's potential spoils and perils.
—Jerel Ezell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no understating the authenticity of Jelly Roll.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
The beer segment continues to do the heavy lifting — and that might even be understating it.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understating
Verb
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Your creative spark is valid, so stop minimizing it.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
5 Oct. 2025
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This practice supports your lawn's health by promoting strong roots and minimizing thatch buildup.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As a result of the investigation, embassy officials decided not to renew the employee’s contract, effectively dismissing him.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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The appellate court last year reversed Martínez-Olguín’s initial case dismissal, leading to the judge dismissing it again.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That’s been the company line this week, Kelce following Reid, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones in downplaying the incident as a sign of a player’s passion and a coach’s competitive spirt.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Sep. 2025
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Continue reading … TRUTH ON TRIAL – UN blasted for report accusing Israel of genocide while downplaying Hamas terror.—
,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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