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
But the Insure Our Future report suggests that even this framing understates the urgency of the crisis.
—
David Vetter, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Barbaro’s Joan Baez, on the other hand, is understated and graceful.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024
Eggshell and Weathered Greige exude understated durability.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2024
Arguably the evening’s loudest ensemble, her understated no-makeup makeup recalled fashion’s muted past.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Dec. 2024
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David Vetter, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Barbaro’s Joan Baez, on the other hand, is understated and graceful.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024
Eggshell and Weathered Greige exude understated durability.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2024
Arguably the evening’s loudest ensemble, her understated no-makeup makeup recalled fashion’s muted past.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
Dictionary Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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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