boil down

verb

Definition of boil down

transitive verb

1 : to reduce in bulk by boiling

2 : condense, summarize boil down a report

intransitive verb

1 : to undergo reduction in bulk by boiling

2a : to be equivalent in summary : amount his speech boiled down to a plea for more money

b : to reduce ultimately your choices boil down to three

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about boil down

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Examples of boil down in a Sentence

the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points

Recent Examples on the Web

The Raiders must find a way to better protect Carr, but part of this boils down to play-calling and an overall scheme that is, frankly, dull to watch. — Seattle Times Sports Staff, The Seattle Times, "What the (inter)national media are saying about the Seahawks’ 27-3 trouncing of the Oakland Raiders," 15 Oct. 2018 So much of the game boils down to determining what can be manipulated in the first place. — Steven Strom, Ars Technica, "Gnog Review: Short and sweet puzzle unboxing," 12 Aug. 2018 But a major reason why the two autonomous runs were so different boiled down to a simple technical choice. — Sean O'kane, The Verge, "Robot racecars storm the most glamorous hill in motorsports," 3 Aug. 2018 Yet ultimately, the impact population has on soccer success boils down to a simple reality. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Why the world's biggest countries fail with the World Cup," 8 July 2018 So much of what passes for modern wisdom boils down to not letting yourself be affected too much, or in the wrong way, by others. — Eve Fairbanks, The New Republic, "The World in a World Cup," 5 July 2018 For legal experts, the issue boils down to two separate questions: can the president actually engage in obstruction and, if so, can the president be prosecuted for the crime while in office? — Tessa Berenson, Time, "Rudy Giuliani Just Conceded That the President Can Commit Obstruction of Justice," 18 May 2018 Then, visitors will follow the sweet aroma of maple syrup to the sugarin’ camp, where clear sap is boiled down to form dark syrup. — Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wehr Nature Center set to host 42nd annual Maple Sugar Days," 19 Mar. 2018 Designed as a kit of parts that can be downloaded, milled, then assembled, open source homes are, by their very nature, boiled down to their most elemental pieces. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "This modular prefab home is powered by the sun," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boil down.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.