boil down

verb

boiled down; boiling down; boils 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

2

a

: 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 of boil down

• summarize
• outline

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

But while the debate over Texas’ reading list could have national implications, to the speakers the issue boiled down to whether the passages are essential to understanding the nation’s history and morals — or unconstitutional. —Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

But while the debate over Texas' reading list could have national implications, to the speakers, the issue boiled down to whether the passages are essential to understanding the nation's history and morals - or unconstitutional. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Many of these arguments, however, boil down to competing interests. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for boil down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

boil down

verb

: to reduce or become reduced by or as if by boiling

let the sauce boil down

boil down a report