understate

verb

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

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 Set in a former 14th-century mansion and replete with historic finishes like original frescoes, this boutique property is understated yet striking. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 The entrance is constrained and understated, with a wall directly in front of the visitor. Kristina Linnea Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 By the way, substantially understating your income could result in a severe penalty. Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 If price analysis determines a price is unbalanced – where one or more line items are significantly overstated or understated – a contracting officer will proceed to a two-party analysis to consider the risk of paying unreasonably high prices and the risk of unsuccessful performance. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2024 Comfortable, understated, and timeless (and not to mention 25 percent off), the Champion Men's Classic T-Shirt is the perfect base for your adventures, whether it's worn under layers for warmth or on its own with jeans and trousers for a casual look. David Moses, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 To say that It-Girl and 1960s gamine-about-London Patricia Anne (Pattie) Boyd was a muse to George Harrison and Eric Clapton, two of the most influential guitarists in rock, is to understate her influence on British music and British fashion between 1964 and 1988. Guy Martin, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Stay Calm Under Pressure: The psychological aspect of time management cannot be understated. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Whether your style is dramatic, understated, or romantic, Target has plenty of under-$40 spring wedding guest dresses. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understate was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near understate

Cite this Entry

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understate

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