oversimplify

verb

over·​sim·​pli·​fy ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

oversimplified; oversimplifying; oversimplifies

transitive verb

: to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error

intransitive verb

: to engage in undue or extreme simplification

oversimplification

ˌō-vər-ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

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 most of experts dismissed the Tweet as oversimplifying and attempting to extrapolate from an impossible comparison. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

But specialists say the policy risks oversimplifying a problem that is far more complex. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Brain researchers long knew that the model for studying memory oversimplified the complex processes that the brain uses to decide what to keep and for how long. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Nov. 2025

Believing that winning would solve everything oversimplifies the issue with attendance. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for oversimplify

• canaliculi
• dwi
• micronuclei
• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii

Kids Definition

oversimplify

verb

over·​sim·​pli·​fy ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

: to simplify something so much that the result is confusing, misleading, or wrong

oversimplification

-ˌsim-pləfə-ˈkā-shən 

noun