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

• 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

Quick wins such as reducing administrative friction or simplifying processes show that the transformation improves daily experiences, building buy-in that can’t be mandated from the top down. —Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Mayor Ellen Kamei said the goal is to simplify the costly and time-consuming process currently required to select a partner, rather than to stop working with nonprofit developers altogether. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

For teams without deep marketing resources, tools that simplify execution and surface insights make this approach viable. —William Jones, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

The follow-on Lenovo Legion Go S revised and simplified the machine slightly; it was joined by a SteamOS edition months later. —Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

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
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

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