overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt 

overstated; overstating; overstates

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstated his qualifications

overstatement

ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• exaggerate
• overdo
• overdraw
• put on

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death.

it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!

Recent Examples on the Web

How to claim a 2nd payment from the Equifax data breach settlement The study’s authors have issued a correction, saying a typo led them to overstate the threat level posed by the flame retardant. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024

Just last month, Zoom was criticized for overstating its security. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Once cannot overstate how good steering wheel design effects a drive experience. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

But a few congressional seats flipped from Republican to Democrat — which makes Mitchell wonder if any rightward shift is a blip or overstated. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overstate

verb

over·​state -ˈstāt 

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstatement

-mənt 

noun