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 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
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
Build authentic LinkedIn content: skip the AI shortcuts Don't let AI dumb down your message.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 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
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
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
Build authentic LinkedIn content: skip the AI shortcuts Don't let AI dumb down your message.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 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
-
Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Building on the past decade of work by the sustainable farming organization, the next step expands OCA’s impact areas simplifies participation for brands and retailers and increases global supply through new partnerships.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Over time, the remark evolved into a slogan that became shorthand for the Rangers’ reputation for lone, forceful law enforcement — a legacy that supporters celebrate and critics say oversimplifies a more complicated history.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The problem is that this comparison often oversimplifies what Social Security actually is and underestimates how much risk and leverage already exist in today’s financial markets.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Omar was instrumental in legislation that streamlined the rules to pay for food during COVID.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
7 Mar. 2026
-
These include investing in space ports, streamlining commercial launch licensing and allocating sufficient spectrum for satellite operations.—
Magdalena Petrova,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumb down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb%20down. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
