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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of understate
Vince crafts understated luxury from California, and that effortlessness can be seen on each item.
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Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Photograph: Simon Hill Nomad Mount MagSafe Car Mount for $32 ($13 off)
Nomad
Classy and understated, this durable magnetic vent mount is a black glass square with rounded corners and a circular, rubbery magnetic pad in the middle.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate 
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Photograph: Simon Hill Nomad Mount MagSafe Car Mount for $32 ($13 off)
Nomad
Classy and understated, this durable magnetic vent mount is a black glass square with rounded corners and a circular, rubbery magnetic pad in the middle.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The lack of a clear definition affects trainings on campus (incoming students are required to complete Title IX prevention trainings), campus outreaches, and even understating which supportive measures are mandated to be utilized by counseling centers.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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By emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mutual respect and shared goals, HR leaders can minimize disruptions while maximizing team effectiveness. 4.Melanie Hughes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Through the park search, the NYPD has taken steps to minimize disruption to visitors, leading to an odd juxtaposition of joggers, tourists and an active crime scene.Cedar Attanasio and Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Just using endorsement badges to facilitate user choice could be underplaying its value, however.London Business School, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
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But a new analysis this week from the Associated Press concludes the report was based on old data that underplayed the extent of the military’s extremism problem.Will Carless, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The case was previously scheduled to go to trial in August 2025, but is now expected to be dismissed.Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
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The manslaughter charged, which carried a maximum 15-year sentence, was dismissed.Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Online critics immediately pounced on the outlet for seeming to downplay the kidnapping and terrorist element involved in Kogan's death.Fox News Staff, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024
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Meanwhile, Lithuanian authorities downplayed the prospect of nefarious activity, insisting that no evidence pointing to sabotage had yet been uncovered.Alexandra Banner, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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