oversimplify
verb
over·sim·pli·fy
ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 
oversimplified; oversimplifying; oversimplifies
: to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error
: to engage in undue or extreme simplification
Examples of oversimplify in a Sentence
The article oversimplifies the problem.
She tends to oversimplify things.
We must resist the temptation to oversimplify.
Recent Examples on the Web
But, by oversimplifying the historical reality, these narratives sanitize the past and prevent us from properly understanding the historical actors involved and their motivations.
—
Made By History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
In truth, Smith’s legacy, and assumptions about capitalism, have been grossly oversimplified.
—Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The second is that Reagan oversimplified what has historically been a complicated, often competitive and sometimes contentious relationship.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Such values are easy to oversimplify in our own personal narratives as well as in those of prominent figures ranging from Oprah Winfrey to JD Vance.
—Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oversimplify
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Made By History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
In truth, Smith’s legacy, and assumptions about capitalism, have been grossly oversimplified.
—Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The second is that Reagan oversimplified what has historically been a complicated, often competitive and sometimes contentious relationship.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Such values are easy to oversimplify in our own personal narratives as well as in those of prominent figures ranging from Oprah Winfrey to JD Vance.
—Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oversimplify
Cite this Entry
“Oversimplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversimplify. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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oversimplify
verb
over·sim·pli·fy
ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī
: to simplify something so much that the result is confusing, misleading, or wrong
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