simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
simplified; simplifying

transitive verb

: to make simple or simpler: such as
a
: to reduce to basic essentials
b
: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline
was urged to simplify management procedures
c
: to make more intelligible : clarify
simplification noun
simplifier noun

Examples of simplify in a Sentence

Microwave ovens have simplified cooking. The new software should simplify the process. The forms have been simplified.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, advocates on all sides of the debate have called for making sense of the myriad visa types and simplifying the system. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Most of Apple’s choices in the 16e seem to serve the goal of unifying the whole iPhone lineup to simplify the message for consumers and make things easier for Apple to manage efficiently, but the dropping of MagSafe is bizarre. Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 Creating a simple record-keeping system tracking for all goods and services received will simplify tax filing. Kaitlin Newkirk, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 The goal is to simplify payments, preferably with a loan or credit card that has a lower interest rate. Bianca Rodríguez Rojas, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simplify

Word History

Etymology

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simplify was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

simplify

verb
sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
simplified; simplifying
: to make simple or simpler
simplification noun
simplifier noun

More from Merriam-Webster on simplify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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