simplify

verb

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce simplify (audio)
Definition of simplifynext
1
as in to streamline
to make less complex you need to simplify this process somewhat or you'll never finish it today

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable the book simplifies for the layman some concepts of economics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 simplify Most manufacturers’ lineups use a mix of either carbon fiber and aluminum because those two materials can be made into the exact same shape, simplifying manufacturing. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 This could simplify their installation and reduce their deployment times. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026 Write down the concern, simplify the request, and let one honest conversation bring more ease to your space. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 Investing can feel intimidating for beginners and time-consuming for experienced traders alike, and Sterling Stock Picker aims to simplify both experiences. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simplify
  1. streamline
  2. explain
  3. clarify
  4. illustrate
  5. demonstrate
Verb
  • And while von Furstenberg gravitated to something more minimalist and streamlined for her look, there’s plenty of options out there for the more flamboyant sun-seekers, too.
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • From apps to self-service kiosks, technology has streamlined travel while quietly reducing the human connections many travelers once enjoyed.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of streamline
Verb
  • One of the questions, directed to David Hunt, director of finance for Entergy Arkansas, asks him to explain the reasoning for the classification of the payments.
    — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Bernadette explains the racial nuances the Guardians might not know as newcomers to Earth, echoing the landmark 1971 Green Lantern/Green Arrow comic series, which attempts to bring the space cops down to Earth by exposing them to racial strife.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • In a statement, an Axel Springer spokesperson clarified that The Circuit was technically incorporated in the US, with staff located around the world.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Pabst also originally posted that a truck was stolen, though company officials later clarified no vehicle went missing.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • As illustrated in this chart, following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February, both WTI crude oil prices and US retail gas prices surged in tandem.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The agreement also illustrates a challenge facing advanced nuclear developers.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • The South Korean auteur has directed six movies since 1997, each one demonstrating his literary sensibilities and keen eye for capturing human despair.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The next step is demonstrating consistent color removal and fiber-quality retention at larger scale, with chemical consumption, wastewater quality and process control among the principal scale-up considerations.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of demonstrate

Browse Nearby Words

simplifies
simplify
simplifying
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Cite this Entry

“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simplify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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