overstate

American  

[oh-ver-steyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈsteɪt /

verb (used with object)

overstated, overstating

1. to state too strongly; exaggerate.

   to overstate one's position in a controversy.

   Synonyms:

   magnify, embroider, overstress

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overstate British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to state too strongly; exaggerate or overemphasize

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Other Word Forms

• overstatement noun

Etymology

Origin of overstate

First recorded in 1630–40; over- + state

Example Sentences

The U.S. also is interested in Greenland to extract minerals from there, but those benefits may be overstated, too.

From Barron's

The U.S. also is interested in Greenland to extract minerals from there, but those benefits may be overstated, too.

From Barron's

Meanwhile, there is a risk in overstating the stakes for Beijing in Venezuela itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

New research involving the University of Graz shows that the so-called CO2 fertilization effect has been significantly overstated.

From Science Daily

The Goldman analysts said they would be watching closely for discussion of Fed staff estimates suggesting payroll growth has been overstated.

From Barron's

Related Words

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