understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 
understated; understating; understates
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect
Examples of understate in a Sentence
He understated his taxable income.
She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Conclusion In an era marked by global economic uncertainties and challenging market dynamics, the power of market-agnostic software—bolstered by intelligent AI and driven by clear, outcome-centric metrics—cannot be understated.
—
Rafael Flores, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has thus far seen a wide range of outfits on the red carpet, from the rule-breaking to the understated.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Here’s how the scheme plays out: Chinese exporters, often through freight forwarders — companies that handle the logistics of shipping merchandise — understate the value of goods or mislabel them, often both, in the shipping documents to draw lesser duties.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 May 2025
Critics claim the review understated the potential economic damage.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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.
Rafael Flores, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has thus far seen a wide range of outfits on the red carpet, from the rule-breaking to the understated.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Here’s how the scheme plays out: Chinese exporters, often through freight forwarders — companies that handle the logistics of shipping merchandise — understate the value of goods or mislabel them, often both, in the shipping documents to draw lesser duties.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 May 2025
Critics claim the review understated the potential economic damage.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understate
verb
un·der·state
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share