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 Others is a tremendously effective, surprisingly smart picture whose muted reputation understates its contributions to the genre since its release.
—
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 27 June 2024
Tokyo subway stations are a bit cleaner than New York’s, to understate things.
—Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024
From classic to fanciful touch to minimalist and understated to whimsical and bold, options run the gamut for every taste, destination, and venue.
—Julie Tong, Vogue, 26 June 2024
Final thoughts While competition can be a huge motivator, the power of collaboration can’t be understated.
—Big Think, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 27 June 2024
Tokyo subway stations are a bit cleaner than New York’s, to understate things.
—Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024
From classic to fanciful touch to minimalist and understated to whimsical and bold, options run the gamut for every taste, destination, and venue.
—Julie Tong, Vogue, 26 June 2024
Final thoughts While competition can be a huge motivator, the power of collaboration can’t be understated.
—Big Think, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
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.
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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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