as in simplifies
to describe (something) in a way that does not include all the facts and details and that causes misunderstanding
The article oversimplifies the problem. She tends to oversimplify things.
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 oversimplifies
Public opinion polls show broad opposition to transgender participation in women’s sports, though civil rights groups say such polling oversimplifies a complex issue and has been used to justify sweeping restrictions.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Believing that winning would solve everything oversimplifies the issue with attendance.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025
Several medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have warned that the administration’s guidance will confuse mothers and oversimplifies a complex issue.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025
The checklist mentality oversimplifies people, instead of seeing them as evolving beings.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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
Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Believing that winning would solve everything oversimplifies the issue with attendance.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025
Several medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have warned that the administration’s guidance will confuse mothers and oversimplifies a complex issue.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025
The checklist mentality oversimplifies people, instead of seeing them as evolving beings.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oversimplifies
simplifies
Verb
-
This modification simplifies the drone’s thermal protection and internal insulation systems.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The tool, which does not cost anything, simplifies the process of trying to stop data brokers from sharing and selling information.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oversimplifies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oversimplifies. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
