reduces; reduced; reducing
1
: to make (something) smaller in size, amount, number, etc. : decrease
The medicine reduces the risk of infection.
We are trying to reduce our debt.
Stricter speed limit enforcement has reduced the number of car accidents.
Her prison sentence was reduced from 15 years to 10.
a drastically reduced price
2
a
: to cause (someone) to be in a specified state or condition
—+ to
The movie's ending reduced them to tears. [=made them cry]
The crowd was reduced to silence. [=became suddenly silent]
b
: to cause (something) to be in a specified form by breaking it, burning it, etc.
—+ to
reduce stone to powder
mountains that will someday be reduced to sand
Their house was reduced to ashes [=was completely burned/destroyed] by the fire.
The city was reduced to rubble/ruins by the bombing.
c
: to force (someone) to do something that causes shame, embarrassment, etc.
—followed by to + -ing verb
The museum has been reduced to begging for funding.
3
: to describe (something) in a way that includes only some of the facts and details
—+ to
You're reducing religion to a list of do's and don'ts.
Her argument can be reduced to a few essential points.
4
: to boil (a liquid) so that there is less of it
Simmer the broth until it is reduced to 2 cups. [=until there are only two cups of it]
Simmer the broth until it reduces to 2 cups.
5
: to change (someone's rank) to a lower or less important one
As part of her sentence, the sergeant's rank was reduced to private.
6
US, informal
: to gradually decrease your weight by eating less
He's on a (weight) reducing diet.
7
mathematics
: to change (a fraction) so that it is written with the lowest possible numbers
You can reduce ²/₄ to ¹/₂.
Cite this Entry
“Reduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reduce. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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