as in to simplify
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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
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
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Online grocery delivery and meal kit services can simplify meal planning and save time.
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Developers expect modular construction and standardized systems to simplify deployment and reduce project complexity.
Verb
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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.
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Researchers also caution against oversimplifying conversations around hormone therapy.
Verb
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The service is meant to streamline the check in process on the day of departure.
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This rustic teak love seat can work in lots of spaces, like on the perimeter of your garden or outside your shed, while the modern Brighton rug is perfect for streamlining an outdoor conversation set.
Cite this Entry
“Dumb down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb%20down. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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