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
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
Cite this Entry
“Simplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplify. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.
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