overstate

verb

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

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate
overstated his qualifications
overstatement noun

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

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
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.
This means providing clear, consistent, and empathetic messaging that addresses both anxieties and excitement, without overstating or overgeneralizing the benefits of the change. Kotter, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Moreover, there’s a chance that current data overstate the labor market’s troubles. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 These revisions often reveal that job growth was either overstated or understated in real time. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Some legal experts called his reputation as an institutionalist overstated. Jan Wolfe, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overstate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstate was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

overstate

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

More from Merriam-Webster on overstate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!