as in summarizes
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
Relevance
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 boils down
Much of the time, that difference boils down to whether or not the musician is a good hang.
—
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026
Much of the bilateral maneuvering boils down to timing.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The answer boils down to how the spinning dead star dragged space and time in its wake.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
What makes a city attractive boils down to factors like affordability, quality of life, and safety.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
This term so far boils down to broken promises, petty revenge and a base too loyal and dumb to bail on him.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Instead, the new argument boils down to jurisdiction.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
The deduction phases out at a rate that boils down to $100 for each $1,000 over the threshold.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
For its adherents, the sport always boils down to calculations of risk.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026
Much of the bilateral maneuvering boils down to timing.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The answer boils down to how the spinning dead star dragged space and time in its wake.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
What makes a city attractive boils down to factors like affordability, quality of life, and safety.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
This term so far boils down to broken promises, petty revenge and a base too loyal and dumb to bail on him.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Instead, the new argument boils down to jurisdiction.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
The deduction phases out at a rate that boils down to $100 for each $1,000 over the threshold.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
For its adherents, the sport always boils down to calculations of risk.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boils down
Verb
-
The Valley of Shadows summarizes the numerous tips received by the department’s missing persons unit.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The Miami Herald was the first to report the FBI 302 document, which summarizes the interview.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This report outlines the plant’s design, location, and safety systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Alexander outlines a process that includes planning, sourcing materials, building components and refining details.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boils down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boils%20down. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
