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simplify

verb
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sim·​pli·​fy | \ ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio) \
simplified; simplifying

Definition of simplify

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
Other Words from simplify Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about simplify

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Other Words from simplify

simplification \ ˌsim-​plə-​fə-​ˈkā-​shən How to pronounce simplification (audio) \ noun
simplifier \ ˈsim-​plə-​ˌfī(-​ə)r How to pronounce simplifier (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for simplify

Synonyms

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Examples of simplify in a Sentence

Microwave ovens have simplified cooking. The new software should simplify the process. The forms have been simplified.
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Recent Examples on the Web The Cleveland Police Foundation will pick up gift cards to simplify the donation process for campaign supporters. — cleveland, "Connecting veterans to community services; donate to help Cleveland police spread holiday cheer: Press Run," 13 Nov. 2020 And the Xbox One would simplify down into your choice of snow white or piano black oversized DVD player. — Dia Lacina, Wired, "The Evolution of Game Console Design—and American Gamers," 5 Nov. 2020 The new lockdown system, which is intended to simplify the process by which local restrictions are imposed, has been widely anticipated for a couple of weeks following a sharp increase in new cases. — Pan Pylas, Star Tribune, "England to have 3-tier lockdown system amid 'tipping point'," 11 Oct. 2020 This would help simplify the process of calculating property taxes, said Council member Andrew Friedson (D-District 1). — Washington Post, "In Montgomery, council structure and property taxes are on the ballot this fall," 21 Sep. 2020 For help with sizing, Skis.com offers size guides and buying guides that help simplify the process of picking boots and ski lengths. — Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, "The 10 best places to buy ski and snowboarding gear online," 5 Nov. 2020 To help simplify this process, consider consolidating your IRAs. — Nathan Bachrach And Amy Wagner, The Enquirer, "Allworth Advice: Don't take 'benefits season' lightly," 4 Nov. 2020 Advocates are trying to simplify the process for jail officials by sharing voting materials and instructions as well as posters and information for tablets and TV screens seen by inmates. — Angie Jackson, Detroit Free Press, "Voting in jail: Advocates work to make sure people in Michigan can cast a ballot," 8 Oct. 2020 Ending open enrollment: To simplify the district's sometimes wonky assignment process, JCPS is asking to dissolve open enrollment and rely more heavily on the existing transfer process for families who want to attend a different school. — Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, "JCPS wants to change how it assigns kids to schools. What to know," 7 Oct. 2020

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

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First Known Use of simplify

1750, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for simplify

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

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Time Traveler for simplify

Time Traveler

The first known use of simplify was in 1750

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Statistics for simplify

Last Updated

24 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 1 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for simplify

simplify

verb
How to pronounce simplify (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of simplify

: to make (something) easier to do or understand

See the full definition for simplify in the English Language Learners Dictionary

simplify

verb
sim·​pli·​fy | \ ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio) \
simplified; simplifying

Kids Definition of simplify

: to make simple or simpler : make easier

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More from Merriam-Webster on simplify

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for simplify

Nglish: Translation of simplify for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of simplify for Arabic Speakers

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