oversimplify

verb

over·​sim·​pli·​fy ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce oversimplify (audio)
oversimplified; oversimplifying; oversimplifies

transitive verb

: to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error

intransitive verb

: to engage in undue or extreme simplification
oversimplification noun

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
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.
Alex Gold, Forbes Books Author. for Forbes Books AUTHOR POST | Paid Program Our understanding of how the world operates is often oversimplified. Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Of course, that oversimplifies things and there have always been crossovers who naturally think with both their right and left fashion brains. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025 David’s view To oversimplify things, politics is basically about conflict. David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 June 2025 There is an ever-present temptation as leaders to oversimplify complex challenges rather than develop the capacity to manage them. Michael Hudson, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversimplify

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversimplify was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Oversimplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversimplify. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversimplify

verb
over·​sim·​pli·​fy ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce oversimplify (audio)
: to simplify something so much that the result is confusing, misleading, or wrong
oversimplification noun

More from Merriam-Webster on oversimplify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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