sim·pli·fy
ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 
simplified; simplifying
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
sim·pli·fi·ca·tion
ˌsimpləfə̇ˈkāshən
plural -s
: an act, process, or result of simplifying: such as
a
: the elimination of superfluous detail in art : abstraction, generalization
the public understands … his subtle and beautiful simplifications down to essential form as part of the great tradition of sculpture—
Aline B. Saarinen
Aline B. Saarinen
b
: the reduction or elimination of complexity or multiplicity : streamlining
simplification of the control panel of an airplane
product-line simplification is equally applicable to wholesale and retail businesses
c(1)
: the reduction of a double consonant to a single one (as in Latin vacilo for vacillo)
(2)
: the elision of silent letters (as in gram for gramme) compare contraction sense 4
d
: simplism
Examples of simplify in a Sentence
Verb
Microwave ovens have simplified cooking.
The new software should simplify the process.
The forms have been simplified.
Recent Examples on the Web
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2026
Without it, Napa's story risks becoming simplified or disconnected from the resilience, experimentation and long-term thinking that shaped it, according to Melton.
—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The company expects that strategy to simplify deployment as the industry moves toward demonstration plants and, eventually, commercial facilities.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
Tribalists and traditionalists have controlled the terms of the battle, one by simplifying, the other by denying, the way privilege has shaped our compound selves.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for simplify
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Verb
Use foil packets, grill baskets, or skewers to simplify grilling and prevent veggies from falling through grates.
—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2026
Without it, Napa's story risks becoming simplified or disconnected from the resilience, experimentation and long-term thinking that shaped it, according to Melton.
—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The company expects that strategy to simplify deployment as the industry moves toward demonstration plants and, eventually, commercial facilities.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
Tribalists and traditionalists have controlled the terms of the battle, one by simplifying, the other by denying, the way privilege has shaped our compound selves.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for simplify
Cite this Entry
“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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