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oversimplify

[oh-ver-sim-pluh-fahy] / ˌoʊ vərˈsɪm pləˌfaɪ /
VERB
make too simple
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"Conventional simulations oversimplify real materials, while experiments reveal complexity without a clear way to quantify cause and effect," explains Prof. Kotsugi.

From Science Daily May 18, 2026

Wald doesn’t think investors should oversimplify and assume that a strong dollar is always a headwind for big U.S. multinational companies—or a weak dollar supportive because it makes exports cheaper.

From Barron's Feb. 2, 2026

“Blanket messages may oversimplify complex evidence,” they wrote.

From MarketWatch Dec. 23, 2025

The state’s proposed Zone 0 regulations oversimplify complex conditions in real neighborhoods and go beyond what is currently known from scientific research regarding plant flammability.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 2, 2025

It’s easy to oversimplify what was undoubtedly a rapid and dramatic expansion, and to picture all Khoisan in the way being trampled by onrushing Bantu hordes.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

In interviews, several researchers said the blanket warning Dr. Murthy has proposed — “social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents” — stretches and oversimplifies the scientific evidence.

From New York Times Jun. 19, 2024

"That number really oversimplifies what happens physiologically in the body when your body is exposed to that temperature, and it doesn't account for important variables like age or other vulnerability factors."

From Science Daily Nov. 30, 2023

"It is crucial to recognise that blaming Ronaldo alone oversimplifies a complex issue," he said.

From BBC Nov. 29, 2023

The "calories in, calories out" formula for weight loss success is a myth because it oversimplifies the complex process of calculating energy intake and expenditure.

From Salon Jun. 6, 2023

Suffice to say that there is a core of truth to Jefferson’s account of the dinner-table bargain, though it vastly oversimplifies the history that was happening at that propitious moment.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

“We are concerned this testing, without the proper scientific, regulatory and environmental context, can lead to oversimplified statements, not representative of the product category or industry.”

From Salon Mar. 20, 2026

Mr. Dhume may think that the newly minted labor codes’ permissive hiring rules only apply to private firms that have fewer than 300 workers—instead of 100 workers like before—but that’s an oversimplified analysis.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 26, 2026

“What people are seeing are really oversimplified TikToks or reels that say put $300 in Roth and you’ll have $1 million later on,” said Holden.

From MarketWatch Jan. 13, 2026

"The ice giant classification is oversimplified as Uranus and Neptune are still poorly understood," says Luca Morf, PhD student at the University of Zurich and lead author of the work.

From Science Daily Dec. 10, 2025

Historians, however, may find them too brief and oversimplified.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

“I think we are way oversimplifying health here and worry that some women will not get treated for major conditions.”

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 13, 2026

To them, Vance's portrayal of Appalachian in both his book and on rally stages feels like an outsider's perspective, oversimplifying the complexities and resilience of their communities.

From Salon Aug. 5, 2024

But AI is not a monolith, and anyone who says it’s either all good or all evil is oversimplifying.

From Washington Post Mar. 12, 2023

Given Weinstein’s power, Manning said, his defense team is oversimplifying the pressure each woman faced to acquiesce to him.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 8, 2022

“And in many cases, that meant oversimplifying, omitting, and even outright falsehood. Now that you are here, there is no need for any of those things.”

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth



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