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
It’s understated, but never boring.
—
Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
The role of mass transit as a driver of economics at every level cannot be understated.
—Mary Tomolonius, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
An earlier version understated the percentage.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
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Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
The role of mass transit as a driver of economics at every level cannot be understated.
—Mary Tomolonius, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
An earlier version understated the percentage.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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