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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Recent Examples of understate
From understated, plastic chair haunts that lure in the foodie pilgrims to high octane, theatrical affairs that elevate the island’s enviable produce to alchemical heights, here are the best restaurants in Sicily.
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Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Property sizes might be understated.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
That number understates the destruction.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026
Minimal leather totes hold far more than a lip gloss, think books, laptops, and an extra layer, while remaining polished and understated.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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Cruz and other Republicans argued the decision minimized the gravity of an attack on the judiciary and could encourage future political violence.—
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
Verb
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Snow accumulation expected through Monday evening KDKA Weather Center Working these types of systems before, model data normally underplays the strength of the warm air and pushes this rain-snow line too far south.—
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Most importantly, the film tries to underplay the massive identity and religious politics that the Bengal border has seen since the lines were drawn.—
Verb
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Government attorneys argued that the raids were entirely lawful and that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit should be dismissed in its entirety.—
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Since the lawsuit was originally dismissed in September, Minnesota and its Democratic leadership have come under immense scrutiny and arguably lost credibility due to the state's growing welfare fraud scandal.—
Verb
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, however, downplayed the agent's injuries.—
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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