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Showing results for overstate. Search instead for over-state.
Definitions

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.

In his seminal work on the impact of automation on jobs, MIT economist David Autor noted the tendency of headlines to overstate the extent of job losses from new technology.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The significance of this climbdown is hard to overstate.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026

It’s hard to overstate just how unusual trading was on Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

“They wield the power of nature and the power of the people. You can’t overstate their contribution to coastal protection.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Yet it would be nearly impossible to overstate Lyell’s influence.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.