Definition of overstatenext
as in to exaggerate
to describe or express in too strong terms it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the "on" button!

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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 overstate The importance of a great purse cannot be overstated, as far as I am concerned. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026 Iran is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, but, as an expert explains to Isaac Chotiner, the two countries’ ties have been overstated. Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026 The real story isn’t that AI demand is fake or overstated. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Grounding researchers describe this as a form of electrical disconnection from the natural world that may be contributing to the rise in chronic inflammatory conditions — a framing worth including without overstating causation. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstate
exaggerate
Verb
  • This was borrowed directly from American sports reporters, with their propensity to exaggerate to make a point, often by citing absurd numbers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Goldman Sachs’ David Mericle suggests this reading has perhaps been exaggerated.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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