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
Oversight models that depend on static scoring risk understating true exposure.
—
Bhavya Bhandari, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The state championship results, combined with other recent high finishes for Pepper-Jackson, are at odds with Pepper-Jackson’s lawyers’ previous claims understating the transgender athlete’s performance in girls’ events.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026
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
Bhavya Bhandari, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The state championship results, combined with other recent high finishes for Pepper-Jackson, are at odds with Pepper-Jackson’s lawyers’ previous claims understating the transgender athlete’s performance in girls’ events.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understating
Verb
-
Well-draining soil is key to minimizing overly soggy conditions.—
Lauren David,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
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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,
7 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Media covered the story briefly before dismissing it as youthful overreaction or isolated activism.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Mirren is dismissing talk that there is a beef between the costars.—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted Wednesday that the opening could be delayed while downplaying any concerns.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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The plaintiffs’ lawyers countered that Royal Caribbean was greatly downplaying the injuries the victims suffered.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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