understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
understated; understating; understates
Synonyms of understatenext

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.
The monochromatic design keeps the look feeling elevated and understated, while the tiny details add just the right amount of charm. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 Exact congressional spending on AI tools is unknown The figures almost certainly understate Congress’ total AI use. — Luke Fountain,emily Wilkins, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 But over the last 12 months, inflation has nearly kept pace with hourly wage gains — and that understates the extent of the problem because debt service costs are not included in the consumer price index. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, the official bond tally that’s hitting the market understates all the actual borrowing that’s going on to fund the AI boom. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of understate for Spanish Speakers

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