overstate

[ oh-ver-steyt ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·stat·ed, o·ver·stat·ing.

1. to state too strongly; exaggerate:

   to overstate one's position in a controversy.

   Synonyms: magnify, embroider, overstress

overstate

/ ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt /

verb

1. tr to state too strongly; exaggerate or overemphasize

Derived Forms

• ˈoverˌstatement, noun

Other Words From

• over·statement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; over- + state

Example Sentences

It is difficult to overstate the magnitude of the dangers that will come our way beginning January 20, 2025.

From Salon

It’s hard to overstate how much damage re-electing Trump will cause, not only to immigrants and other marginalized populations but also to governmental function, education, the environment, justice and more.

From Salon

"You don't want to overstate the significance of what happened in Florida," she said.

From BBC

“We cannot overstate the role of conspiracy theories in all of this,” she said.

From BBC

But it also means that we humans need to be aware the tendency of AI promoters to overstate their products’ capabilities and conceal their limitations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amplify
• emphasize
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overestimate