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
The veil added this really perfect, almost invisible volume around my head that was overstated while also being understated.
—
Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
My doctor, however, didn't understate the situation.
—Eldiara Doucette, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
The Justice Department is overstating China’s interest in TikTok’s data and understating the company’s ability to protect itself from foreign influence, TikTok’s lawyers told the court.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Close kept her accessories understated, allowing the details of her dress to remain the focal points.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate 
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Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
My doctor, however, didn't understate the situation.
—Eldiara Doucette, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
The Justice Department is overstating China’s interest in TikTok’s data and understating the company’s ability to protect itself from foreign influence, TikTok’s lawyers told the court.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Close kept her accessories understated, allowing the details of her dress to remain the focal points.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 18 Jan. 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
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