as in to simplify
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
This is clearly an assault on learning by the White House and an attempt to dumb down the national population.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
State and local leaders should also roll back any guidance that is meant to force teachers to dumb down curriculums or provide passing grades to students who are failing or inflate grades across the board.
—Carrie Lukas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The new console could certainly handle it, even if developers had to dumb down the graphics a smidge.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Why dumb down what was once a sophisticated and nuanced show?
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Build authentic LinkedIn content: skip the AI shortcuts Don't let AI dumb down your message.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Why dumb down what was once a sophisticated and nuanced show?
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
The president-elect tends to avoid details—during his first term, aides learned to dumb down their presentations with bullet points.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
IEEE Spectrum, 28 Mar. 2011
This is clearly an assault on learning by the White House and an attempt to dumb down the national population.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
State and local leaders should also roll back any guidance that is meant to force teachers to dumb down curriculums or provide passing grades to students who are failing or inflate grades across the board.
—Carrie Lukas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The new console could certainly handle it, even if developers had to dumb down the graphics a smidge.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Why dumb down what was once a sophisticated and nuanced show?
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Build authentic LinkedIn content: skip the AI shortcuts Don't let AI dumb down your message.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Why dumb down what was once a sophisticated and nuanced show?
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
The president-elect tends to avoid details—during his first term, aides learned to dumb down their presentations with bullet points.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb down
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
The memo’s assertion that unions are responsible for delaying salary increases oversimplifies a complex issue and unjustly shifts responsibility away from the state’s leadership and the Florida Legislature.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Tell them that influencers often oversimplify complicated issues—and may have their own agendas.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Part 450 was intended to streamline the launch approval process by allowing companies to submit applications for a series of launches or reentries, rather than requiring a new license for each mission.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Interior designers and organizers know that ALDI isn't just good for groceries—the store is also chock-full of some pretty amazing home items that will help to streamline any space without breaking the bank.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumb down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb%20down. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share