overstate

/ˌˈoʊvərˌˈsteɪt/

Other forms: overstated; overstating; overstates

To overstate is to exaggerate or place too much importance on something. Your parents may overstate the dangers of driving on icy roads to scare you into being extra careful.

If you want your brother to help you move some furniture, you might overstate how much your back hurts. And, if you're ready for lunch but your friend is dawdling, you'll be tempted to overstate how cranky you get when you're hungry. More seriously, politicians have been known to overstate the threat of terrorism or other dangers in order to gain support for a bill or a candidate.

Definitions of overstate

1. verb

   enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
   synonyms: amplify, exaggerate, hyperbolise, hyperbolize, magnify, overdraw

   antonyms:

   understate

   represent as less significant or important

   types:

   overemphasise, overemphasize, overstress

   place special or excessive emphasis on

   blow, bluster, boast, brag, gas, gasconade, shoot a line, swash, tout, vaunt

   show off

   aggrandise, aggrandize, blow up, dramatise, dramatize, embellish, embroider, lard, pad

   add details to

   glorify

   cause to seem more splendid

   puff

   speak in a blustering or scornful manner

   crow, gloat, triumph

   dwell on with satisfaction

   type of:

   misinform, mislead

   give false or misleading information to