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

Already on their stronger feet, their games were simplified instead of being forced to cut inside. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Every industry relies on benchmarks, metrics and assumptions that were created to simplify complex decisions. — Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

IonQ says previous estimates often simplified away parts of the machine that could dominate runtime. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

The company said much of that activity remains concentrated within crypto markets, but this new offering can help lenders better understand how a business is operating, which could simplify the process of evaluating financing opportunities. — Talia Kaplan, CNBC, 8 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