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

“It is hard to overstate the intensity” of Mr. Byrne’s “need for recognition and approval,” Mr. Gould tells us, “from a select group of musical, visual, and theatrical artists and critics, centered in New York.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Speaking on behalf of the family, Catherine Heaney said: "It would be hard to overstate the importance of this moment for our family."

Read more on BBC

But doctors and scientists warn its benefits might be overstated and more research is needed before it goes prime time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s hard to overstate how difficult it’s become” to get enough computing power, Altman said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The agency is trying to determine whether its accruals are overstated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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