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

Maguire’s future will likely boil down to money and the length of the contract being offered. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

It has long been rumored that the choice for where to send the future king boils down to either Eton College, his dad Prince William’s alma mater, or Marlborough College, where his mom Kate Middleton attended. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026

Fleming was one of at least nine BPD employees who filed complaints, which boiled down to concerns that Lee engaged in unethical behavior, repeatedly retaliated against subordinates, and behaved unprofessionally while creating a hostile work environment. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026

Gabby is hiding a few secrets as well, that boil down to money troubles and a dissatisfaction with the way her supposedly glamorous life has turned out. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 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