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
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.
—
Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Property sizes might be understated.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 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
With the cap constraints that currently plague the Dolphins, the need for good, cheap talent cannot be understated if Miami wants to compete any time soon.
—Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share