as in summarizes
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points
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Recent Examples of boils down
Much of the time, that difference boils down to whether or not the musician is a good hang.
—
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026
Much of the bilateral maneuvering boils down to timing.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The answer boils down to how the spinning dead star dragged space and time in its wake.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
What makes a city attractive boils down to factors like affordability, quality of life, and safety.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
This term so far boils down to broken promises, petty revenge and a base too loyal and dumb to bail on him.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Instead, the new argument boils down to jurisdiction.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
The deduction phases out at a rate that boils down to $100 for each $1,000 over the threshold.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
For its adherents, the sport always boils down to calculations of risk.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026
Much of the bilateral maneuvering boils down to timing.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The answer boils down to how the spinning dead star dragged space and time in its wake.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
What makes a city attractive boils down to factors like affordability, quality of life, and safety.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
This term so far boils down to broken promises, petty revenge and a base too loyal and dumb to bail on him.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Instead, the new argument boils down to jurisdiction.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
The deduction phases out at a rate that boils down to $100 for each $1,000 over the threshold.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
For its adherents, the sport always boils down to calculations of risk.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boils down
Verb
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The Valley of Shadows summarizes the numerous tips received by the department’s missing persons unit.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
21 Mar. 2026
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The Miami Herald was the first to report the FBI 302 document, which summarizes the interview.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mahan’s plan also outlines a framework for evaluating and enforcing accountability, borrowing certain ideas from policies adopted in other states.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
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The legislative blueprint outlines a half-dozen guiding principles for lawmakers, focusing on protecting children, preventing electricity costs from surging, respecting intellectual property rights, preventing censorship and educating Americans on using the technology.—
Matthew Daly,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boils down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boils%20down. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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