sim·pli·fy
ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 
simplified; simplifying
a
: to reduce to basic essentials
b
: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline
was urged to simplify management procedures
c
: to make more intelligible : clarify
sim·pli·fi·ca·tion
ˌsimpləfə̇ˈkāshən
plural -s
: an act, process, or result of simplifying: such as
a
: the elimination of superfluous detail in art : abstraction, generalization
the public understands … his subtle and beautiful simplifications down to essential form as part of the great tradition of sculpture—
Aline B. Saarinen
Aline B. Saarinen
b
: the reduction or elimination of complexity or multiplicity : streamlining
simplification of the control panel of an airplane
product-line simplification is equally applicable to wholesale and retail businesses
c(1)
: the reduction of a double consonant to a single one (as in Latin vacilo for vacillo)
(2)
: the elision of silent letters (as in gram for gramme) compare contraction sense 4
d
: simplism
Examples of simplify in a Sentence
Verb
Microwave ovens have simplified cooking.
The new software should simplify the process.
The forms have been simplified.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Among the changes announced are plans to grant municipalities greater authority over local decision-making, simplify the creation of businesses, and expand investment opportunities, including for Cubans residing outside the island.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Japan’s complex attitudes towards homosexuality — at the risk of overly simplifying it, the country is more conservative towards queerness than America in some ways, and more accepting in others —bleed into the media that comes from the country.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Platforms like Firmoo bring these elements together in one place, combining style options, lens customization and user-friendly tools that simplify each step of the journey.
—Footwear News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for simplify
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Verb
On July 1, Microsoft will be releasing a Copilot bundle to simplify AI adoption for small and medium-sized businesses.
—Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Among the changes announced are plans to grant municipalities greater authority over local decision-making, simplify the creation of businesses, and expand investment opportunities, including for Cubans residing outside the island.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Japan’s complex attitudes towards homosexuality — at the risk of overly simplifying it, the country is more conservative towards queerness than America in some ways, and more accepting in others —bleed into the media that comes from the country.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Platforms like Firmoo bring these elements together in one place, combining style options, lens customization and user-friendly tools that simplify each step of the journey.
—Footwear News, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for simplify
Cite this Entry
“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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