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

Emmie Finckel’s scenic design, like the musical itself, overdetails what could work more effectively if simplified. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

The job is not merely to simplify technical language, but to maintain a translation layer between what engineers build, what leadership thinks the company sells, what sales hears from prospects and what customers are trying to accomplish. — Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Bay Area teachers are taking a crack at using artificial intelligence with the goal of simplifying administrative tasks in order to focus more on their students, amid some skepticism. — Max Darrow, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

The 27 makeup brushes, hot tools, and hair accessories that have won this year’s Allure Best of Beauty Awards in our Tools category are the kind of hard workers that simplify, streamline, and optimize your routine. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 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