as in to summarize
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points
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Recent Examples of boil down
It has long been rumored that the choice for where to send the future king boils down to either Eton College, his dad Prince William’s alma mater, or Marlborough College, where his mom Kate Middleton attended.
—
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Fleming was one of at least nine BPD employees who filed complaints, which boiled down to concerns that Lee engaged in unethical behavior, repeatedly retaliated against subordinates, and behaved unprofessionally while creating a hostile work environment.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026
Gabby is hiding a few secrets as well, that boil down to money troubles and a dissatisfaction with the way her supposedly glamorous life has turned out.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
As sugar is processed, the juice from sugarcane or sugar beets is boiled down, and molasses is what's left behind.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for boil down
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Fleming was one of at least nine BPD employees who filed complaints, which boiled down to concerns that Lee engaged in unethical behavior, repeatedly retaliated against subordinates, and behaved unprofessionally while creating a hostile work environment.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026
Gabby is hiding a few secrets as well, that boil down to money troubles and a dissatisfaction with the way her supposedly glamorous life has turned out.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
As sugar is processed, the juice from sugarcane or sugar beets is boiled down, and molasses is what's left behind.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for boil down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil down
Verb
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Mo Dakhil, a former video coordinator for the Spurs and Clippers, summarized that discontent in an appearance on Zach Lowe’s podcast this week.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
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The Miami Herald was the first to report the FBI 302 document, which summarizes the interview.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Conversations focus on outlining options, trade‑offs, and longer‑term considerations in a manner that feels clear and manageable.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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Decluttering expert Katy Wells outlines the top spaces that need attention and how to organize them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boil down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil%20down. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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