underestimate

verb

ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
Definition of underestimatenext
as in to minimize
to place too low a value on we had underestimated her ability to raise the start-up money for her own design firm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of underestimate Olivia Newton-John and Dolly Parton (2023) Never underestimate the power of two divas working in tandem. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 The Fed spent the past few years relearning the dangers of underestimating inflation. — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The study, which assumed a buy-and-hold strategy, likely underestimated the tax burden for most investors. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Generally speaking, [leaders have] underestimated how hard that is. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underestimate
  1. minimize
  2. underrate
  3. undervalue
Verb
  • Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • To pretend otherwise, to act as if survival in these conditions is simply beyond this group, underrates them but is fundamentally far too kind to them.
    — Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Garrett Wilson is underrated and has consistently been a 1,000-yard receiver when healthy.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of underrate
Verb
  • Analysts largely said that the company was undervalued and has strong potential for upside ahead.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The preseason ranking undervalues Miami, the sportsbooks don’t.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of undervalue

Browse Nearby Words

underemployed
underestimate
underestimated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underestimate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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