Synonyms

overstate

American

[oh-ver-steyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈsteɪt /

verb (used with object)

overstated, overstating

to state too strongly; exaggerate.

to overstate one's position in a controversy.

Synonyms:

magnify, embroider, overstress

overstate British

/ ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt /

verb

(tr) to state too strongly; exaggerate or overemphasize

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

overstatement noun

Etymology

Origin of overstate

First recorded in 1630–40; over- + state

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.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Mr Justice Chamberlain said the risk of harm to Lowe if the temporary block was not granted had been "overstated".

From BBC

The force has since admitted it "overstated the evidence" used to make the decision.

From BBC

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Court’s decision for the law and the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

There's also no overstating the frustration of royal officials at the way that Andrew has kept scuppering their plans.

From BBC

Hassett argued the paper overstated price effects and failed to account for shifts in import volumes.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023