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.
Dictionary definitions of those phrases boil down to making tentative inquiries or trying something briefly without real commitment. Mark Woolsey, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Hims & Hers is accurate in its diagnosis that much of this country’s gap in health and longevity boil down to wealth. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026 Wasserman emphasized that the final assessment of which party won the redistricting wars will likely boil down to what happens in Florida and Virginia. David M. Drucker, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026 Yes, Salley has some firsthand relationship experience with Craig that Venita didn’t have, but both of their messages boil down to the same thing. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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