overstate
verb (used with object)
to state too strongly; exaggerate.
was overstating
-
past progressiveof overstate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 the mid-1990s, with inflation falling to multidecade lows, he told Congress the consumer-price index, used to calculate Social Security checks and tax brackets, was overstating inflation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
The judge suggested the attorney was overstating the case by saying Weinstein’s due process was at stake.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 17, 2022
The girl was overstating or misrepresenting her experience.
From The New Yorker ● Aug. 22, 2019
It questioned whether the military was overstating the atoll’s elevation and criticized its reliance on historical data when the problem is rising seas, a more recent phenomenon.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2016
In his enthusiasm, he was overstating, but not by much.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
