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 dress code is as understated as a white linen button-up.
—
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 9 July 2024
The mistakes involved overstating the amount of money wagered on multi-tiered bets, or parlays, and understating other categories of wagers.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 8 July 2024
The polls in 2020 consistently understated Trump’s support, and pollsters have sought to improve their methodology.
—Dan Balz, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
Yes, this is one of the best shoulder bags for work (and even a great shoulder bag for school), but it’s also understated enough to wear to happy hour drinks or weekend errands.
—Elana Zajdman, WWD, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 9 July 2024
The mistakes involved overstating the amount of money wagered on multi-tiered bets, or parlays, and understating other categories of wagers.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 8 July 2024
The polls in 2020 consistently understated Trump’s support, and pollsters have sought to improve their methodology.
—Dan Balz, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
Yes, this is one of the best shoulder bags for work (and even a great shoulder bag for school), but it’s also understated enough to wear to happy hour drinks or weekend errands.
—Elana Zajdman, WWD, 2 July 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 15 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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