boil down

verb

boiled down; boiling down; boils down
Synonyms of boil downnext

transitive verb

1
: to reduce in bulk by boiling
2
: condense, summarize
boil down a report

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo reduction in bulk by boiling
2
a
: to be equivalent in summary : amount
his speech boiled down to a plea for more money
b
: to reduce ultimately
your choices boil down to three

Examples of boil down in a Sentence

the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points
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.
The answer boils down to prices — particularly for things like housing, childcare, food and gas — that are rising faster than wages, said Melissa Nelson, president of United Way of Florida. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 At the state level, industrial policy usually boils down to luring industries that can bring jobs. Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 For Niemiller, the entire issue boils down to coexistence. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026 This resilience boils down to a profound decoupling of casual foot traffic from pure discretionary spending. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for boil down

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boil down was in 1723

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boil down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20down. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

boil down

verb
: to reduce or become reduced by or as if by boiling
let the sauce boil down
boil down a report
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