overstate

[oh-ver-steyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈsteɪt /

VERB

exaggerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amplify emphasize heighten inflate magnify misrepresent overdo overemphasize overestimate

STRONG

boast boost brag embellish embroider enlarge exalt expand fabricate fudge hike lie misquote pad puff

WEAK

blow out of proportion build up lay it on thick misreport play up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compress contract decrease ignore lessen play down

STRONG

abridge be modest deprecate lower reduce shrink simplify tell the truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Barabak: Not to be the pooper at the party but I think we shouldn’t overstate the import of tonight’s debate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Mackiewicz and Aune also pointed out that this kind of language can overstate what AI is capable of.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Bowens worries that some people will fraudulently overstate deductions and that people who mess up accidentally could get hurt as the IRS tries to enforce the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It is difficult to overstate the void Bale left.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

It may be impossible to overstate the significance of race in defining the basic structure of American society.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing overstate

"Ad Power," "Without Commercials," and "What's Wrong with Advertising"

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“Mandatory Vaccination is Not the Answer to Measles” by Bob Sears

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The Number Devil

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