as in to minimize
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understate
The vibe is understated and charming, with vintage and upcycled design details peppered throughout the space (like the Park Slope location, which is nestled under a stoop).
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
The Luna Gray case is understated, with only a white LED strip running down the front panel for visual flair.
—PCMAG, 8 Feb. 2025
The space is understated yet refined, with an atmosphere that speaks to both the sophistication and the quiet allure of Parisian design.
—airmail.news, 1 Feb. 2025
The importance of footwork in the post is not to be understated.
—Jim Alexander, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
The Luna Gray case is understated, with only a white LED strip running down the front panel for visual flair.
—PCMAG, 8 Feb. 2025
The space is understated yet refined, with an atmosphere that speaks to both the sophistication and the quiet allure of Parisian design.
—airmail.news, 1 Feb. 2025
The importance of footwork in the post is not to be understated.
—Jim Alexander, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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Our limited newsletter series guides you on how to minimize your personal role in the climate crisis — and reduce your eco-anxiety.—
Martha Shade,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
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Why did so many economists and policymakers minimize the potential devastation that free trade with China would wreak on many Americans?—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Notice the costs of underplaying the conversation, which many tend to do.—
Hylke Faber,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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Gonski said that in addition to overstating certifiers’ responsibilities, Follow the Law’s messaging underplays the protections that already exist.—
Phoebe Petrovic,
ProPublica,
30 Oct. 2024
Verb
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But in October, 2023, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar, whose office prosecutes crimes across the county, decided to drop charges after a motion to dismiss was filed by the defense.—
Alex Malm,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Along with pardoning some 1,500 Jan. 6 convicts, Trump’s DOJ moved to dismiss all pending Jan. 6 prosecutions in the District of Columbia.—
Nick Akerman,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Recent presidents have increasingly turned to memoranda in part to downplay their exercise of substantive unilateral action usually associated with executive orders.—
Meredith Conroy,
ABC News,
6 Feb. 2025
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Ryan actually downplayed his contribution to Harvey’s performance while echoing the praise Harvey sent his way.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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