oversimplify

verb

over·sim·pli·fy | \ ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī

oversimplified; oversimplifying; oversimplifies

Definition of oversimplify

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

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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

That efficient-market theory is often oversimplified into a belief no one can beat the market. — Jason Zweig, WSJ, "What You Can Learn from One of Warren Buffett’s Smartest Investors," 21 Dec. 2018 When the report was leaked, the press highlighted Moynihan’s fiery rhetoric and oversimplified his complex argument. — Joseph Dorman, WSJ, "The Odd Couple: Nixon and Moynihan," 25 Oct. 2018 Defining gender as a condition determined strictly by a person’s genitals is based on a notion that doctors and scientists abandoned long ago as oversimplified and often medically meaningless. — Denise Grady, The Seattle Times, "Anatomy does not determine gender, experts say," 22 Oct. 2018 Lopez Obrador, like Trump, is ambivalent, suspicious even, of institutions, tends to oversimplify issues, and has an ego the size of Sonora. — Kate Linthicum, latimes.com, "With Mexico presidential election, another step in global populism — but this time from the left," 2 July 2018 Mackey said Thursday some media outlets oversimplified the rescue efforts and the situation was far more complex. — Washington Post, "Plane passenger dilemma: Protect child or try to save victim," 19 Apr. 2018 López Obrador, like Trump, is ambivalent, suspicious even, of institutions, tends to oversimplify issues, and has an ego the size of Sonora. — Kate Linthicum, The Seattle Times, "Mexico’s move toward populism comes from the left," 2 July 2018 But coverage also oversimplified the mechanics of these projects, which offer some degree of corporate deniability. — Ingrid Burrington, The Atlantic, "Who Gets to Live in Silicon Valley?," 25 June 2018 Treating it as something that can be adjusted easily for everyone vastly oversimplifies both our views on weight management and the real impact that weight has on disease risk. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "The Science on Weight and Health," 26 June 2018

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