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.
Beauty had overstated its revenue, leading investors to sell off shares in the company. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024 Marco Bello | Reuters Any risks that the U.S. presidential election poses to the market may actually be overstated, according to Citi. Jesse Pound,samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024 What’s happening at USC and lots of schools like USC suggest Mounk is overstating his case. John Tamny, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 The building also happened to be at the center of that day’s litigation: a civil lawsuit accusing Trump of defrauding banks by overstating the value of his properties. Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near overstate

Cite this Entry

“Overstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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!