UNDERSTATE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

understate

verb

Definition of understate

as in to minimize

to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.

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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 understate The design is clean and understated, but the metallic finishes around the neck give it just enough polish than your everyday bottle. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 The interiors are elegant yet understated, reflecting the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026 Unassuming in her affect and understated in her dress, with a shaggy blond bob, Marta greets me warmly and leads me from the basement parking area through an indoor landscape of light. — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 The latest iteration opened in summer 2025, and true to Casetta’s signature style, the vibe is understated yet curated. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate

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

On the other hand, its artistic approach and wider story arc underplay the horror of WW1 combat.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In a lot of ways, Abrams’ underplay show at the storied club, billed as a free evening with the star, was more than just a celebration of her new album Daughter From Hell or practice for her upcoming tour.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of underplay

Verb

On Wednesday, lawyers for Gomez filed a motion to dismiss the artist from the suit, and said she should have never been dragged into the case in the first place.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
El-Sayed dismissed a potential fundraising gap in the race, which could occur if donors were pushed towards Rogers or if outside groups like AIPAC intervened on Rogers’ behalf.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Analysts suggest this may reflect that as the Fed gradually downplays forward guidance, market sensitivity to Fed wording—as well as the Fed's overall influence over markets—could be waning.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Shifting emphasis moving into the general election A number of Republicans have removed or downplayed references to Trump from their websites after winning their primaries.

— Steve Peoples, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of downplay

Browse Nearby Words

understands

understate

understated

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

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Synonyms of understate

verb

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