boil down

verb

Definition of boil downnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of boil down Why Chignons Always Work For Fine Hair Why chignons work the absolute best for fine hair boils down to a few things. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 July 2026 This moment boils down to the pairing of elite skills with quirky personality, Wilson said. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026 Audience expectations probably boil down to the Hollywood convention of actors using British accents for films set in ancient times in foreign regions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 Platner, indeed, has boiled down nearly all political problems to the perfidy of sinister oligarchs. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boil down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil down
  1. summarize
  2. outline
Verb
  • Holtberg-Benge has built AI agents that monitor technology developments, summarize industry news, prepare meeting materials and review contracts and statements of work.
    — Peter High, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Wikipedia became a foundational text for machine-learning models designed to summarize and answer questions using information drawn from other online sources.
    — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Definition of summarize
Verb
  • The article outlines specific ChatGPT prompts for finding profitable ventures, structuring pricing for a $1,000 monthly goal, and creating a 30-day plan for success.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • At which point, the state had to submit a spending plan outlining how the funds were to be distributed.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of outline

Browse Nearby Words

boil
boil down
boiled
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Cite this Entry

“Boil down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil%20down. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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