overstate

verb

over·​state ˌō-vər-ˈstāt 

overstated; overstating; overstates

transitive verb

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstated his qualifications

overstatement

ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of overstate

• exaggerate

Examples of overstate in a Sentence

It would be overstating the case to say that it was a matter of life or death.

it appears you've somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can't find the “on” button!

Recent Examples on the Web

Cory Harris, a lobbyist for state-legal cannabis operators, suggested that dire predictions about its effect on the intoxicating hemp industry are overstated. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Translating the team’s shooting numbers into a claim about Reese personally shutting down opponents overstates what those numbers establish. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Others have rejected calls for an AI slowdown, arguing that the risks are overstated and restrictions on AI research could cause China to outpace the United States. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous American architects in history—if not the most famous—and his influence on residential architecture can be difficult to overstate. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overstate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

overstate

verb

over·​state -ˈstāt 

: to state in too strong terms : exaggerate

overstatement

-mənt 

noun