understatement

Meanings

Plural: understatements

Noun

• a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said
• 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.
• An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.
• An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Synonyms

meiosis, trivialization

Antonyms

auxesis, exaggeration, hyperbole, overstatement