overstate

[oh-ver-steyt]

verb (used with object)

overstated, overstating 

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

Other Word Forms

• overstatement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; over- + state

Example Sentences

Beyond collecting these federal funds, the former executives argue that the school misled students and potential enrollees by overstating the availability of jobs and making untrue or misleading statements related to employment.

From Los Angeles Times

Nancy Vanden Houten, a lead US economist at Oxford Economics, cautioned that the jump in new home sales in August "likely overstates any improvement in housing activity".

From BBC

Not all analysts are alarmed, saying Delhi may be overstating the risks since Riyadh values balanced ties - India is its second-largest trading partner and a major buyer of Saudi oil.

From BBC

With winter approaching, it is hard to overstate the urgency of the disaster unfolding in Afghanistan.

From BBC

The analysis likely overstates emissions, since the near-guarantee that regulators will approve a permit gives companies an incentive to request authorization for amounts larger than they intend to emit to ensure they’re in compliance.

From Salon

Related Words

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