simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
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 noun
simplifier noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This approach simplifies know-your-customer compliance but excludes borrowers who self-custody their assets on hardware wallets, which is a common security practice among crypto users. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 The prosecution is just simplifying the charges for the jury to avoid confusion. Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 Going too far in simplifying dietary messages could further degrade the credibility of the guidelines all the same, warns Michael Pollan, the writer who’s perhaps the most famous concise food messenger. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025 By using shorter lumber lengths, platform framing allowed each floor to be built as a separate working platform, simplifying construction and improving its efficiency. Pablo Moyano Fernández, The Conversation, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for simplify

Word History

Etymology

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simplify was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

simplify

verb
sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
simplified; simplifying
: to make simple or simpler
simplification noun
simplifier noun

More from Merriam-Webster on simplify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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