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 By oversimplifying narcissism, these creators, Durvasula says, also risk undoing the progress legitimate experts have worked so hard to achieve. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 1 July 2024 Those involved in the campaigns, along with lawmakers and officials handling the heaviest spending on both sides of the races, eschewed attempts to oversimplify their outcomes, which were largely in safe Democratic districts. Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 27 June 2024 The courts concluded, again oversimplifying a little, that section 212(f) did not allow the president to override those statutes. Noah Feldman, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024 The vice president of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association said the Amplify reading curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade includes content that is historically inaccurate and oversimplified. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for oversimplify 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oversimplify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversimplify was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near oversimplify

Cite this Entry

“Oversimplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversimplify. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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

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