simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

transitive verb

: to make simple or simpler: such as

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

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of simplify

• streamline

Examples of simplify in a Sentence

Microwave ovens have simplified cooking.

The new software should simplify the process.

The forms have been simplified.

Recent Examples on the Web

This could simplify their installation and reduce their deployment times. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026

Write down the concern, simplify the request, and let one honest conversation bring more ease to your space. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026

The sale to real estate investment firm EPR Properties was part of Six Flags’ strategy to simplify what the company owns, strengthen its operations on parks with growth potential and pay down debt. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

Depending on your finances, that could mean negotiating a payment plan directly with your creditors, using a debt consolidation loan to simplify repayment or enrolling in a debt management plan to streamline and lower your payments. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for simplify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

: to make simple or simpler

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun