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
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
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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Like many of my favorite picks, these boots also utilize a wide toe box, minimizing blisters and maximizing comfort.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Sep. 2025
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This approach allows your team to learn and adapt, minimizing disruption for end users and ensuring a smoother transition.—
Rajat Bhargava,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Put frankly, dismissing intention has boxed the ivory tower into a corner for its ability to handle difficult conversations relating to religion.—
Matthew Mayhew,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The singer defended Siwa and recounted her own experiences as a bisexual woman falling in love with a man after previously dismissing the idea.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kirk’s good at downplaying his interest in seeing La’an again.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
4 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, the Defense Secretary (Jared Harris) who has been downplaying this event is feeling the pressure, and carries the burden that his daughter (Kaitlyn Dever) is in Chicago.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understating. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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