understatement — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.

   Usage

   • rhetoric
   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Synonyms

   meiosis

   Antonyms

   auxesishyperbole

   Examples

   A master of understatement

   And that mode of expression is very demurring and self-deprecating. Victorian English was all about understatement.

2. An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • usually

   Synonyms

   trivialization

   Antonyms

   exaggerationoverstatement

   Examples

   Now that's an understatement.

3. An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

Noun

1. a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said

   Antonyms

   overstatement

   Broader terms

   statement