overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement noun

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death. it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amid the lack of regulation and the potential for climate startups to overstate their impact, registries aim to verify how much carbon was really removed. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 3 July 2025 That said, his Heat tenure also was a case study of sometimes overstating such developmental projects, as evidenced by his five-year, $90 million contract. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025 The findings suggest that President Donald Trump’s statement that Iran’s nuclear facilities were obliterated was overstated, at least based on the initial damage assessment. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 However, the idea that denim’s resurgence is purely cyclical may be overstated, according to a recent UBS note on U.S. softlines retail. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overstate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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