overstate
verb (used with object)
to state too strongly; exaggerate.
were 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.
Carney said last week that some people were overstating Canada's reliance on the United States and that Washington does not get to dictate the terms of the upcoming trade negotiations.
From Barron's ● Apr. 27, 2026
Instead, the EPA decided its scientists were overstating the risks and gave Chevron the go-ahead to make the new boat fuel ingredient at its refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2023
But at an earlier hearing, the judge told CACI’s lawyers that she believed they were overstating the significance of the Nestle case.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 1, 2023
Outside scientists said the administration officials who touted a 35 percent reduction in death risk were overstating the conclusions that could be drawn from suggestive studies without comparison groups.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 24, 2020
I read someone say that we were overstating the degree to which the accusations hurt Moore, and understating the degree to which he was already unpopular.
From Slate ● Dec. 13, 2017
