overstate

1 of 2

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
overstated; overstating; overstates
Synonyms of overstate

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement
ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
noun

overstatement

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act of overstating : exaggeration
2
: an exaggerated statement or account

Synonyms of overstate

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Verb

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Examples of overstate in a Sentence

Verb It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death. it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Trump said in January that the DOJ was investigating Omar after an accounting mistake on financial disclosures overstated her husband’s assets. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026 California’s unemployment rate remains among the highest in the country, and the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has warned that early-2026 job growth may have been overstated. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 Griffin’s representatives say concerns about noise are overstated. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 Cory Harris, a lobbyist for state-legal cannabis operators, suggested that dire predictions about its effect on the intoxicating hemp industry are overstated. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

Rhymes for overstate

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Browse Nearby Words

overstand
overstate
overstatement
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Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overstate

verb
over·​state -ˈstāt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstatement
-mənt How to pronounce overstate (audio)
noun
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