understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
understated; understating; understates
Synonyms of understate

transitive verb

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
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.
Angela Hanks, chief of policy programs at The Century Foundation, said the findings may understate the financial pressure households face. — Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The real ones know that the best Chelsea boots make an outfit look understated, elegant, and edgy all at once. — Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026 The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026 But for decades, because of his ethnicity, Tenzing’s role in the mission was understated by history; he was treated as Hillary’s noble assistant. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understate

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understate was in 1824

Rhymes for understate

See All Rhymes for understate

Browse Nearby Words

understanding
understate
understated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

understate

verb
un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
understatement
-mənt How to pronounce understate (audio)
noun

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