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.

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

Private-equity valuations have always been somewhat imprecise, and firms have long had incentives to overstate the value of their holdings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 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

They refused, as good scientists should, to overstate what they knew.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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!