understatements

Noun

understatement (usually uncountable, plural understatements)

1. (rhetoric, usually) 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.
   • A master of understatement

   Synonyms:

   meiosis

   Antonyms:

   auxesis, hyperbole

2. (countable, usually) An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.
   • Now that's an understatement.

   Synonyms:

   trivialization

   Antonyms:

   exaggeration, overstatement

3. (usually) An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.