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

Across professional football, as heat stress rises, players tend to make fewer passes, touches and dribbles, appearing to simplify their decisions and preserve energy for decisive moments. — Alan McCall, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Organizing inspection information in one platform could also simplify record-keeping and reduce the time spent comparing data from multiple sources. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

While homeowners may assume monitoring their homes while traveling requires constant attention, Mohr says today's systems are designed to simplify the process, not add another task to your vacation. — Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Rather than focusing exclusively on Missouri wineries this year, organizers opted for one distributor to simplify operations while still offering a broad selection of red and white wines from multiple countries. — Kansas City Star, 10 July 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