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
But lo and behold, this stonewashed cotton coverlet, in a white-and-sand-colored check, proves that even offbeat patterns can come across as understated when rendered in a gentle palette.
—
Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025
And the cast performances unevenly range in size from understated to over the top.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
In the light and airy bathrooms, marble is paired with black accents for a space that’s glamourous yet understated.
—Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Local governments and developers sometimes fight to avoid high-risk designations to avoid insurance mandates or restrictions on development, leading to maps that may understate actual risks and leave residents unaware of their true exposure.
—Jeremy Porter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
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.
Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025
And the cast performances unevenly range in size from understated to over the top.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
In the light and airy bathrooms, marble is paired with black accents for a space that’s glamourous yet understated.
—Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Local governments and developers sometimes fight to avoid high-risk designations to avoid insurance mandates or restrictions on development, leading to maps that may understate actual risks and leave residents unaware of their true exposure.
—Jeremy Porter, CBS News, 14 July 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 29 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share