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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Anyone can be underestimated for a long time based on many factors. — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 No rival will ever again make the fatal error of underestimating Bronin. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 But on May 1, 1960, just four years after the U-2’s debut, the Soviet miliary shot down one of the planes, flown by Francis Gary Powers, proving that the US underestimated Soviet capabilities. — Emma Balleste, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 People also underestimate how deep the tunnels go, so surface sprays often miss the queen, Abraham adds. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underestimate
  1. minimize
  2. underrate
  3. undervalue
Verb
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Kahan’s voice is one of the things about him that may be underrated.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And don’t underrate how perfectly this first film captures something about Spider-Man’s central tragedy.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of underrate
Verb
  • Okta is currently undervalued by the market, but the digital gatekeeper should see its shares continue to rally thanks to rising demand for identity and access management services, according to Wells Fargo.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • That suggests the foreign exchange market is significantly undervaluing the yen.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on underestimate

Nglish: Translation of underestimate for Spanish Speakers

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