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.
For a business owner whose returns understate what the company brings in, this flips the math. — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 Expectations for board members (time per month, additional duties, sub-committee contributions) are explicitly stated and not understated. — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 After that feral beginning, the rest of the album is mostly contemplative, wistful, and understated, amid cascading guitars and various sounds that are at times acoustic or gently swirling. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 But to say that the express trains are a desirable option for airport travelers is to understate. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on understate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for understate

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