dumb down

Definition of dumb downnext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dumb down In other words, rather than admitting more qualified applicants, the administration has chosen to pressure professors to dumb down the material. Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 11 June 2026 Those attempts to dumb down devices continue in the streaming age. Janko Roettgers, The Verge, 28 May 2026 The one remaining source of substantial opposition remains the faculty, who frequently claim that shorter degrees will dumb down expectations for students. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026 The apparent solution among the education establishment is not to challenge kids to stretch their minds and hit the books but rather to dumb down the curriculum so everyone passes. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 18 Dec. 2025 For once, the Perrys promised, over many, many drinks, a movie would be made that didn’t dumb down the story on which it was based. Susan Cheever, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2025 Parents responded that such changes would dumb down San Francisco schools. Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 May 2025 The company wanted to ensure that amateurs could safely explore the car’s uncanny capabilities but didn’t want to dumb down the thrills. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Mar. 2011
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb down
Verb
  • The reliever has been simplifying his pitch mix when coming out of the bullpen, yet this relief appearance looked more like one of his starts.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
  • To the product team, this looked logical, since an account was meant to simplify future purchases.
    Polina Chebanova, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Tell them that influencers often oversimplify complicated issues—and may have their own agendas.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 10 July 2026
  • This year’s religious Democrats support an expansive state with generous benefits that uplift the poor, because (to oversimplify a little) that’s what Jesus would have wanted.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • As a tool, AI can be extremely helpful to link data points and streamline trip-planning, said Cory Schisler, the co-owner of The Madrona Hotel in Sonoma County and a strategic advisor at Journey, a loyalty program for independent hotels.
    Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
  • Treat it as the foundation for a beautifully layered bed or add the matching pillow shams to streamline the look.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb%20down. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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