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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understate
Subtle visual and sensory cues like lighting, textures and understated wayfinding elements help draw visitors into new areas without relying on excessive signage, creating a sense of curiosity in each visitor.
—
Riki Nishimura, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
While her humor leans dry, her design style is the opposite of understated.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Though Clinton’s ensemble for the Common Sense Summit on Kids and Families was fairly understated, the longtime politician and philanthropist previously used her sartorial prowess to send certain messages to the public.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025
While its design is optically understated, the fluted sides were designed to resemble a paper plate, giving it an inherent cool factor.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Riki Nishimura, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
While her humor leans dry, her design style is the opposite of understated.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Though Clinton’s ensemble for the Common Sense Summit on Kids and Families was fairly understated, the longtime politician and philanthropist previously used her sartorial prowess to send certain messages to the public.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025
While its design is optically understated, the fluted sides were designed to resemble a paper plate, giving it an inherent cool factor.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understate
Verb
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South Korea’s acting President, Han Duck-soo, ordered emergency support measures for industries and businesses that will be impacted, including the automobile industry, ordering officials to actively negotiate with Washington to minimize the impact of additional levies.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2025
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Studies show that nitrates may minimize the thickening of blood vessels that may cause heart disease (atherosclerosis).—
Melissa Nieves,
Verywell Health,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To describe the United States’ military interventions as mishandled, for example, is to criminally underplay their impact.—
Emma Ashford,
Foreign Affairs,
29 May 2020
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And David Rosenberg subtly underplays Alex, an American ex-pat who’s haunted by ghosts of his own.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Stocks temporarily jumped on speculation of a possibly delay in the tariffs, but the White House later dismissed talk of a pause.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2025
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The company filed two motions to dismiss the case, one for lack of jurisdiction and the other on grounds that consumer fraud laws do not govern editorial speech.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And on Sunday, President Donald Trump downplayed the size of the outbreak and the need for action.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
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At the time, Kennedy, who has a history of vaccine skepticism, appeared to downplay concerns about the significance of the outbreak.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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