oversimplify
verb
over·sim·pli·fy
ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 
oversimplified; oversimplifying; oversimplifies
: to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error
: to engage in undue or extreme simplification
Examples of oversimplify in a Sentence
The article oversimplifies the problem.
She tends to oversimplify things.
We must resist the temptation to oversimplify.
Recent Examples on the Web
Crediting a single family with the invention of the genre oversimplifies country music's complex history and disregards the contributions of multiple ethnic groups.
—
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But swing too far in the other direction and oversimplify it, ignore realism…then the result can feel hollow and even cartoonish.
—Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
At the risk of oversimplifying and/or underestimating two solid defensive teams, these offenses are just in too good of a groove right now not to take the Over.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
State regs oversimplify Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
—Max Moritz, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oversimplify
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Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But swing too far in the other direction and oversimplify it, ignore realism…then the result can feel hollow and even cartoonish.
—Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
At the risk of oversimplifying and/or underestimating two solid defensive teams, these offenses are just in too good of a groove right now not to take the Over.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
State regs oversimplify Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
—Max Moritz, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oversimplify
Cite this Entry
“Oversimplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversimplify. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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oversimplify
verb
over·sim·pli·fy
ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī
: to simplify something so much that the result is confusing, misleading, or wrong
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