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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This high power-to-weight ratio is critical for aviation, where minimizing weight is essential for efficiency and operational viability.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 2025
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With help from melon antioxidants, peptides, and SPF, the hydrating product shields your skin from harmful rays while also minimizing fine lines.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But dismissing the rise in antisemitism as mere policing of speech about Israel is disingenuous and dangerous.—
Dafna Michaelson Jenet,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
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Less than four months later, though, a California judge stopped her in her tracks, dismissing her entire complaint on a technicality.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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City leaders are downplaying speculation about a potential serial killer, but retired NYPD Sgt.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial oppression and sexism.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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