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 importance of the Court’s decision for the law and the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

There's also no overstating the frustration of royal officials at the way that Andrew has kept scuppering their plans.

From BBC

Hassett argued the paper overstated price effects and failed to account for shifts in import volumes.

From Barron's

Until that point, it’s almost impossible to overstate how far behind the Nordics the Americans were.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. McGinnis overstates the importance of giving by the rich as well.

From The Wall Street Journal