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 the impact this had on our client,” said Jay Edelson, the attorney representing the woman.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Committee chairman Alistair Carmichael said: "One cannot overstate the dangers of so many communities losing water supply for extended periods, including schools, GP surgeries and care homes."

From BBC • May 1, 2026

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

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

“How about gorgon's blood? Can you cure that, or did Bob overstate your talents?”

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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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