development

noun

di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
Definition of developmentnext
1
as in evolution
the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the development of an idea into a marketable product

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outcome
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause a development that the writers of the law never anticipated or intended

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in growth
the process of becoming mature a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower

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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 development Longley said while ocean temperatures were warm enough for tropical development throughout the season, dry and dusty air that migrated off Africa, across the Atlantic and into the Gulf was a hindering factor, in addition to the robust El Niño. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026 Connecticut is playing a quiet role in powering the global build-out of data centers through the development of fuel cell power stations. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026 One of those new developments is Richie, comprising regenerative cotton, Tencel Lyocell – HV 100 and pre-industrial waste. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026 Can a meal kit recipe stand up to a Bon Appétit recipe that's tested over weeks of development? — Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for development
Recent Examples of Synonyms for development
  1. evolution
  2. outcome
  3. growth
  4. progress
  5. result
  6. maturation
  7. expansion
  8. resultant
Noun
  • His evolution in the outfield stood out after Bellinger got a glimpse of his potential playing alongside Crow-Armstrong during his first big-league call-up in September 2023, then in his 2024 rookie season.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The perpetual calendar chronograph was launched at Watches & Wonders in 2022 as the fourth-generation evolution of the original 5270 Patek introduced in 2011.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of evolution
Noun
  • But the toxic relationship between Democratic leaders and the White House, as my colleagues reported, means the more likely outcome is no deal at all.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The outcome of Tuesday’s elections could slow that spending, with vast consequences for the thousands of jobs and massive amounts of economic development that AI supports.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • The distinction matters because polynomial and exponential growth can produce vastly different computing demands as the size of a problem increases.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Beckett also recorded strong growth, although it is owned by Collectors.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of growth
Noun
  • Colorado Department of Transportation Despite the challenges, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said progress is being made.
    — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Trump’s absence on the international stage has created an opening for California governors to contrast their climate policies with the federal government’s attempts to reverse the nation’s progress.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of progress
Noun
  • Initial results indicate that the method can separate metal chlorides from magnet material more efficiently, allowing nearly all the metals to be extracted while using comparatively small amounts of chemicals.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Grocery stores in several European countries are dealing with incidents affecting refrigerator and freezer systems that appear to be the results of cyberattacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • So Aydin first did a separate procedure called in-vitro maturation, feeding the eggs a specialized culture with additional hormones to prod them to mature, followed by MRT.
    — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The latest release is a companion to the popular Double Oaked Bourbon, giving the same secondary maturation treatment to the distillery’s rye whiskey that the bourbon undergoes—but with very different results.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of maturation
Noun
  • The backstory The first Mandarin Oriental hotel—then called The Mandarin—opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1963 and has remained central to the hotel group’s core values, despite global expansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Following a community meeting attended by more than 200 Laramie County residents, Google and its partners are establishing a Community Council to address concerns about the effects of data center expansion on Cheyenne and surrounding communities.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of expansion
Noun
  • Inadequate funding and the resultant low pay for correctional officers, when compared to other law enforcement agencies, have plagued the bureau for years.
    — Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Surprisingly, despite his role in the Fast & Furious franchise and the resultant persona fans project on him, Gibson is, admittedly, not interested in pursuing motorsport and had never been drifting.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of resultant

Browse Nearby Words

developing
development
developmental
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Cite this Entry

“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/development. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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