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
With the sunset of the TCJA coming on January 1, 2026, unless legislative intervention occurs, the importance to use one’s exemption amount before it essentially gets cut in half cannot be understated.
—
Darren T. Case, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Directors have always spotted at least a hint of zealotry in her sunny demeanor, and she’s found a part here makes her True Blood character look understated.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Oct. 2024
The interior details are a tad more understated, but there’s a white dash, plenty of Code Orange accents, and a plaque identifying the special edition that makes use of the Bronco font from the era.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024
It can’t be understated that the tide in California can be extremely dangerous — as the water rises, the risk for falling, or worse, drowning, does too.
—Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
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Darren T. Case, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Directors have always spotted at least a hint of zealotry in her sunny demeanor, and she’s found a part here makes her True Blood character look understated.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Oct. 2024
The interior details are a tad more understated, but there’s a white dash, plenty of Code Orange accents, and a plaque identifying the special edition that makes use of the Bronco font from the era.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024
It can’t be understated that the tide in California can be extremely dangerous — as the water rises, the risk for falling, or worse, drowning, does too.
—Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 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 16 Nov. 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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