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Definition of overstate

overstate

/ˌoʊvərˈsteɪt/
o · ver · state
Adjective:overstated
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Past Simple:overstated
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Past Participle:overstated
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Present Participle:overstating
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overstate Lexical Profile

overstate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To state something too strongly; to exaggerate or place excessive emphasis on.

Example

"It is difficult to overstate the importance of early childhood education in long-term cognitive development."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overstate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overstate

Word Nuance & Usage

Because 'overstate' means to exaggerate, the phrase 'cannot be overstated' means something is so important that it is impossible to exaggerate its significance. Speakers frequently confuse this with 'cannot be understated,' inadvertently saying the exact opposite of what they intend.

• Rhymes for overstate

• Nearby Words

overspray
overspread
overstaff
overstate
overstatement
overstay
overstayer

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English during the late 18th century by combining the prefix 'over-' (from Old English 'ofer', meaning excessively) with the verb 'state' (derived from the noun 'state', ultimately from Latin 'status', meaning condition or position).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overstate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overstate
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