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Definitions

underestimate

[uhn-der-es-tuh-meyt, uhn-der-es-tuh-mit, -meyt] / ˌʌn dərˈɛs təˌmeɪt, ˌʌn dərˈɛs tə mɪt, -ˌmeɪt /
VERB
minimize; rate too low
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belittle miscalculate underrate undervalue
STRONG
deprecate depreciate disesteem disparage miscarry slight
WEAK
make light of not do justice put down sell short think too little of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
exaggerate overestimate overrate overvalue praise value
STRONG
approve commend compliment flatter laud
WEAK
maximize

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.

"Presidents have often offered timelines to buy time with the public" during wars, said Thomas Patterson, a historian at the Harvard Kennedy School, "and almost all of them underestimate the time."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Traders should not underestimate what a long weekend could bring.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Lastly, he said, don’t underestimate the power of your own animal instincts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The Iranian capacity for responding with with its drone capabilities is limited, he believes, and people underestimate the destruction wreaked by America’s B-52 bombers.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

She knew better than anyone not to underestimate opponents based on their appearance.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas