simplify

verb

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
Definition of simplifynext
1
as in to streamline
to make less complex you need to simplify this process somewhat or you'll never finish it today

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2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable the book simplifies for the layman some concepts of economics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 simplify These scratch-, scuff-, and microbe-resistant surfaces simplify cleaning and everyday upkeep. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 To keep these decisions manageable, companies simplify them before calculation begins. — Carsten Polenz, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 In practical terms, the study suggests a preference for agentic AI to simplify drudge work and logistics, such as narrowing choices or suggesting better options, rather than taking full control of emotionally loaded or high-complexity decisions. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 What are the ingredients and steps involved, and can any of those be simplified or reconsidered with home cooks in mind? — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simplify
  1. streamline
  2. explain
  3. clarify
  4. illustrate
  5. demonstrate
Verb
  • Both scandals spurred reforms by state lawmakers that nevertheless failed to streamline a complex disciplinary process and left gaps for troubled businesses to continue operating.
    — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of preparing separate master plans for each site, a process that has delayed projects for years, the city would streamline planning standards across commercial areas.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of streamline
Verb
  • Neither the governor's office nor Wilson's office has explained why those two sections were left out between the May draft and the final trailer bill.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Here, The Athletic explains the latest situation in terms of both outgoings and incomings at St James’ Park.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Open Doors helped clarify a lot of things, so the next step is to sit with that and push the project into a solid draft.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026
  • District leaders used them to rethink instruction, align classroom practice with system supports, build capacity among school supervisors and principals, and clarify what students should know and be able to do.
    — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Many are directed towards Ryan Giles, their attack-minded left-back, who regularly pushes forward on the overlap and provided eight league assists last season (illustrated below).
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Koontz, who is famously devoted to his dogs, delivers a book of nail-biting suspense that’s packed with emotion, illustrating how an expert blends genres.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Shipping traffic remains severely restricted, demonstrating that many shipowners are not willing to risk a possible Iranian attack and underscoring Tehran’s ongoing leverage over Hormuz.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of demonstrate

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simplifies
simplify
simplifying
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Cite this Entry

“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simplify. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on simplify

Nglish: Translation of simplify for Spanish Speakers

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