understate
verb
un·der·state
| \ ˌən-dər-ˈstāt
\
\
understated;
understating;
understates
Definition of understate
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
The John Williams of rhythmic complexity, brass melodies and militaristic percussion comes through in subsequent scenes, but only in passing; the score is otherwise understated, as mysteriously slippery as the film’s U.F.O. sightings. — Joshua Barone, New York Times, "‘Psycho’ and ‘Close Encounters’ Roll at the Philharmonic," 10 Sep. 2019 Celeste Wright Costume Sophisticated and self-possessed, Celeste's wardrobe is always understated, but made up of quality pieces worn in layer upon layer of textured neutrals. — Caylin Harris, Country Living, "The Best 'Big Little Lies' Costumes That'll Make You One of the Monterey 5 for Halloween," 23 Aug. 2019 The Aviator Grand Touring’s exterior is understated. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "2020 Aviator plug-in hybrid SUV is quantum leap for Lincoln," 20 Aug. 2019 Wang’s direction is mostly understated, but her film includes some sublimely composed images that suggest the tacky caprices, the oases of beauty, and the matter-of-fact ordinariness of contemporary Chinese life. — Mark Olsen, latimes.com, "Indie Focus: Real lies and true emotions in ‘The Farewell’," 12 July 2019 Still, the rise of Bowlen's Broncos from postseason neophytes in a city with fewer citizens than Memphis, San Jose and Columbus, to a powerhouse valued at $2.65 billion in Forbes' 2018 NFL valuations—11th highest in the league—cannot be understated. — Robert Klemko, SI.com, "In Denver, Pat Bowlen Leaves a Legacy of Unprecedented Success," 14 June 2019 Unlike the many grand monuments to the Soviet and western Allied troops who fought against the Nazis, German tributes to its troops are typically understated. — Washington Post, "From loss to liberation: Germany’s evolving postwar attitude," 7 June 2019 This isn't to say that the bravery of those involved should be understated, but without some key new technologies, the invasion may not have succeeded. — Fox News, "How D-Day technology made Operation Overlord a success," 7 June 2019 Unlike the many grand monuments to the Soviet and western Allied troops who fought against the Nazis, German tributes to its troops are typically understated. — Kirsten Grieshaber And David Rising, chicagotribune.com, "From loss to liberation: How Germans view celebrations of Allied victory over their Nazi ancestors," 6 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'understate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for understate
understate
verb
English Language Learners Definition of understate
: to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
See the full definition for understate in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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