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.

It’s hard to overstate how carefully the lower court considered this question of whether Texas in fact unconstitutionally used race in its mapmaking.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

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

Marriott also argued the states had manipulated industry data to overstate its market share, excluding hundreds of arenas and amphitheaters from the calculation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 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"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Number Devil

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!