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
This dress features striped detailing and an eloquent and understated length.
—
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 June 2025
Much of the inspiration at Lee’s is understated, from drink names that reference the Velvet Underground to complex mixology.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
Scherzinger kept her ensemble understated going for a short-sleeve knit sweater in black with floral designs around the rounded neckline.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 May 2025
To say that Trump’s executive order is a wrecking ball is to vastly understate its scope and impact.
—Paisley Currah, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 June 2025
Much of the inspiration at Lee’s is understated, from drink names that reference the Velvet Underground to complex mixology.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
Scherzinger kept her ensemble understated going for a short-sleeve knit sweater in black with floral designs around the rounded neckline.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 May 2025
To say that Trump’s executive order is a wrecking ball is to vastly understate its scope and impact.
—Paisley Currah, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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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