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

What Michael and the team have done for the tour is condense that and simplify so there is more time for improv and the explanation is more direct. —Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Their goal was to simplify the picture by studying the effects of 16 weeks of daily ten-gram collagen peptide supplements, with no other changes in exercise or diet. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 11 Aug. 2025

The plan simplifies the loan repayment system to help troubled borrowers repay loans without saddling taxpayers with the burden of paying back the loans of wealthy borrowers. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025

Ford's plan centers on dramatically simplifying the vehicle and breaking it up into three separate pieces, which are built in parallel and then combined together. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 11 Aug. 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