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 what Parkinson has done for Wrexham.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 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

The risk to the strategy—and it is hard to overstate it—is that stocks will plummet should reports of peace prove false.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The significance of this climbdown is hard to overstate.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026

“As usual, my friends, you overstate my accomplishment. Nevertheless, the essence of what you say is true. Among the authorities these days it is difficult to find a sympathetic listener.”

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

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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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