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
Its packaging is understated and classic—an elegant glass bottle with restrained branding, reflecting the confidence of a product that doesn't need to shout to be noticed.
—
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The result is a house that feels private, understated, and intimately connected to the French Riviera landscape.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025
Her looks are always timeless, understated, and impossibly chic—and her Easter dress was no exception.
—Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025
Polansky, meanwhile, looked cozy but understated for the date with his fianceé, rocking a pair of brown jeans, a baseball cap and a navy zip-up sweatshirt with rainbow stripe details.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understate
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Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The result is a house that feels private, understated, and intimately connected to the French Riviera landscape.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025
Her looks are always timeless, understated, and impossibly chic—and her Easter dress was no exception.
—Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025
Polansky, meanwhile, looked cozy but understated for the date with his fianceé, rocking a pair of brown jeans, a baseball cap and a navy zip-up sweatshirt with rainbow stripe details.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 21 Apr. 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 5 May. 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
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