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
Yes, Reid is understating his profound influence over it all, whether that’s directly through frequent conversations with Veach or via what’s simply understood between them by now.
—
Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Of course, many bank CEOs, analysts and investors disagree, saying private equity firms are understating the potential risks and exposure.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
The Muddy Waters report also alleges that SoFi has been assigning the wrong discount rate to its student loan portfolio—essentially overvaluing it—as well as understating its exposure to loans in default.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Critics of Mamdani accuse him of downplaying the complexities of the city’s vast dispatch system while understating the number of calls that require a police response.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Michkov’s sophomore season has been a dud, and that may be understating it.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
In that scenario, the song is actually understating the case.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
But Powell warns the official numbers may still be understating the weakness in the job market.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
Most importantly, there’s no understating the importance of its affordability.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 24 Nov. 2025
Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Of course, many bank CEOs, analysts and investors disagree, saying private equity firms are understating the potential risks and exposure.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
The Muddy Waters report also alleges that SoFi has been assigning the wrong discount rate to its student loan portfolio—essentially overvaluing it—as well as understating its exposure to loans in default.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Critics of Mamdani accuse him of downplaying the complexities of the city’s vast dispatch system while understating the number of calls that require a police response.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Michkov’s sophomore season has been a dud, and that may be understating it.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
In that scenario, the song is actually understating the case.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
But Powell warns the official numbers may still be understating the weakness in the job market.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
Most importantly, there’s no understating the importance of its affordability.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understating
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
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Delta Counties Coalition pushes back But Newsom's remarks quickly drew criticism from the Delta Counties Coalition, which accused the administration of minimizing concerns from Delta communities that oppose the tunnel project.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Federal lawyers said judges made mistakes in dismissing the cases by arguing the Civil Rights Act granted the attorney general access to local voting records.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Quit dismissing them as uneducated.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
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When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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