What is another word for understatement?

Pronunciation: [ˌʌndəstˈe͡ɪtmənt] (IPA)

An understatement is a figure of speech where a statement makes a situation seem less important or severe than it truly is. Some synonyms for "understatement" include downplay, trivialize, diminish, minimize, play down, soft-pedal, and belittle. These words all convey the idea of making something appear less significant than it actually is. Understatement is often used for comedic effect or to show modesty, but it can also be used to hide the true magnitude of a situation. Synonyms for understatement can be used to describe something that is being downplayed intentionally or unintentionally, often to mask the true feelings or facts behind a situation.

What are the paraphrases for Understatement?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Understatement?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.
  • hypernyms for understatement (as nouns)

What are the hyponyms for Understatement?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.
  • hyponyms for understatement (as nouns)

What are the opposite words for understatement?

Overstatement is the antonym for the word "understatement." While understatement is the act of presenting something as less important, significant, or serious than it really is, overstatement refers to exaggeration or hyperbole. Overstatement is when someone intentionally or unintentionally makes something seem more significant than it actually is by exaggerating the facts, making things up or just using extreme language. It is often used to add emphasis or to persuade others to agree with the speaker's point of view. For example, saying "Today's weather is a bit chilly" is an understatement, while "Today's weather is freezing cold" is an overstatement.

What are the antonyms for Understatement?

Usage examples for Understatement

"Nice legs," Denver observed, which was an understatement.
"Master of the Moondog"
Stanley Mullen
"When you see the films," he remarked, "you'll call that the understatement of the century.
"The Thing in the Attic"
James Benjamin Blish
That was the understatement of my career.
"Backlash"
Winston Marks

Famous quotes with Understatement

  • A discerning eye needs only a hint, and understatement leaves the imagination free to build its own elaborations.
    Russell Page
  • Whether you are sixteen or over sixty, remember, understatement is the rule of a fine makeup artist.
    Helena Rubinstein
  • On Judgement Day, those who think such talk is 'fear mongering' will find out that it's not. It is simply the truth, and they will wish to God (understatement) that they had obeyed the Gospel.
    Ray Comfort
  • Lord Copper quite often gave banquets; it would be an understatement to say that no one enjoyed them more than the host, for no one else enjoyed them at all, while Lord Copper positively exulted in every minute.
    Evelyn Waugh
  • It is an understatement to say that in this society injustices abound: in truth, it is itself the quintessence of injustice.
    Emil Cioran

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