Synonyms of development

development

noun

di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evolution
• progress
• expansion
• progression
• growth
• advancement
• improvement
• emergence
• elaboration
• maturation
• enhancement
• betterment
• refinement
• flowering
• incubation
• maturing
• augmentation
• ripening
• metamorphosis
• supplementation
• evolvement
• flourishing
• blossoming
• perfection
• addition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regression
• reversion
• retrogression
• regress
• lapse
• relapse
• degradation
• deterioration
• decline
• decay
• degeneration
• falling
• devaluation
• weakening
• downfall
• descent
• declination
• degeneracy
• decadence
• downgrade
• declension
• backslide
• decaying
• ebbing

2

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause

a development that the writers of the law never anticipated or intended

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• product
• consequence
• effect
• matter of course
• aftermath
• outgrowth
• fruit
• child
• sequel
• issue
• upshot
• implication
• sequence
• precipitate
• fate
• backwash
• corollary
• conclusion
• aftereffect
• ramification
• repercussion
• denouement
• fallout
• by-product
• side effect
• echo
• offshoot
• spin-off
• afterglow
• afterclap
• blowback
• aftershock
• ripple

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cause
• reason
• consideration
• factor
• basis
• occasion
• base
• foundation
• ground
• causation
• antecedent
• mother
• source
• determinant
• stimulus
• incentive
• origin
• inspiration
• spring
• groundwork
• root
• impetus
• instigation

3

as in growth

the process of becoming mature

a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower

Synonyms & Similar Words

• growth
• evolution
• maturation
• flowering
• maturing
• ripening
• progression
• blossoming
• flourishing
• softening
• evolvement
• expansion
• maturity
• mellowing
• coming-of-age

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deterioration
• declining
• decay
• decline
• degeneration
• descent
• decadence
• decaying
• declension
• waning
• death
• fading
• demise
• end
• withering
• exit
• wilting
• expiration
• regression
• dying
• decease
• reversion
• expiry
• perishing
• retrogression
• shriveling
• ebbing
• expiring

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of development

Because children vary in size, strength, physical development and daily routines, caregivers should consider their child’s individual needs and, in general, keep backpacks as light as possible. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

In the wake of Vermeil’s first retirement from the game, Stiles coached on two Super Bowl winners as part of Bill Walsh’s San Francisco 49ers staff — a development that later added all the more to his credibility with Vermeil. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Officials say inclusion on the list does not guarantee approval but is intended to speed the review of projects that align with Kenya’s development priorities. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

The company is also developing a reusable heavy lift rocket called Starship, but the craft has been dogged by development delays. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026