UNDERSTATE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

understate

verb

Definition of understate

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 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.

Recent Examples of understate Recent warnings about the potential destructive power of AI are understating the severity of the situation. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026 The surface-level numbers actually understate the pullback, according to Datavations. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026 Their particular fantasy was for a fully monochromatic room, something understated that might look at home in a Prada store. — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026 Chuck compared it to the way Sade releases music — understated, with no need for spectacle. — A.j. Hilton, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate

Verb

The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Federal wildlife managers euthanized 28,000 animals in California in 2025 and dispersed about 1 million more as part of a nationwide program meant to control invasive species and minimize danger to people, pets and livestock, new data shows.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

On the other hand, its artistic approach and wider story arc underplay the horror of WW1 combat.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In a lot of ways, Abrams’ underplay show at the storied club, billed as a free evening with the star, was more than just a celebration of her new album Daughter From Hell or practice for her upcoming tour.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of underplay

Verb

Tinubu was not criminally charged, and the case was dismissed with prejudice after the money was forfeited.

— Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
After a Washtenaw County Court judge dismissed the suit, Shriver refiled the FOIA case in Michigan’s Court of Claims last month.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismiss

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understands

understate

understated

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“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of understate

verb

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