simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

transitive verb

: to make simple or simpler: such as

a

: to reduce to basic essentials

b

: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline

was urged to simplify management procedures

c

: to make more intelligible : clarify

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of simplify

• streamline

Examples of simplify in a Sentence

Microwave ovens have simplified cooking.

The new software should simplify the process.

The forms have been simplified.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, Bilt is further simplifying its program and making certain features easier to use. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Manish Kumar, a professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering and chemical engineering at UT Austin, said the goal is to simplify the recovery of lithium from complex mixtures. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Wu said the proposal will cut permitting delays, simplify ownership transfers and help restaurants open faster. — Payton May, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Twelve South has announced a new version of its Airfly dongle that simplifies the pairing process when connecting wireless headphones to devices that don’t natively support Bluetooth. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for simplify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

: to make simple or simpler

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun