understatement
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.
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When Dolly Parton sang, “Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living,” it was an understatement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
“There’s lots of new in the Premier League,” chief executive Richard Masters said, with typical English understatement.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
"To say that the circumstances surrounding how they came to be in the bath are unusual would be an understatement," Raper said in the judgement.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
It would be an understatement to say that the site’s library of films available for logging, rating and reviewing is extensive.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026
“Ha,” said Roscuro, “a little journey. That is right. Ha. I love the understatement of that phrase. A little journey. Oh, it will be a little journey. Indeed, it will. ”
From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo
As for the camp factor, many massive understatements in the script will trigger appreciative howls of laughter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025
It was one of the greatest understatements of all time.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2025
“Obviously, they’re going through some of their own issues,” Maryland coach Mike Locksley said Tuesday in one of the understatements of the college football season.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 14, 2023
In the world of understatements, saying there’s a lot of television out there has to rank among the boldest.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2022
I told him no lies, but I told him only half the truth; and if he chooses to indulge mentally in any romantic understatements, why, he is welcome, and bless his simple heart!
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 100, February, 1866 by Various
Vocabulary lists containing understatement
Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Introductory
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The Giver
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Rhetoric
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