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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in growth
the process of becoming mature
a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Two energy generation paths The Patmos site would face at least one unique barrier to development -- power supply.
—
Ilana Arougheti
june 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
An interesting month for the ‘baby designer’ crowd A new genome-editing tool used in early embryos has illuminated the role of a key gene overseeing the first stages of human development — and heightened the ongoing debate about whether such tools could or should ever be used to make a baby.
—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Other jury members include BAFTA-winning producer Fiona Lamptey, Jinga Films founder Julian Richards, Tigerlily Productions co-founder Natasha Dack Ojumu, and head of development at Marauder Pictures, Maxine Gordon.
—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
26 June 2026
Rather than relying primarily on traditional aid, the European Union wants to leverage public financing to attract more private investment for infrastructure and other development needs.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for development
Ilana Arougheti
june 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
An interesting month for the ‘baby designer’ crowd A new genome-editing tool used in early embryos has illuminated the role of a key gene overseeing the first stages of human development — and heightened the ongoing debate about whether such tools could or should ever be used to make a baby.
—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Other jury members include BAFTA-winning producer Fiona Lamptey, Jinga Films founder Julian Richards, Tigerlily Productions co-founder Natasha Dack Ojumu, and head of development at Marauder Pictures, Maxine Gordon.
—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
26 June 2026
Rather than relying primarily on traditional aid, the European Union wants to leverage public financing to attract more private investment for infrastructure and other development needs.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for development
Recent Examples of Synonyms for development
Noun
-
The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.
-
The exhibition offers an immersive look at the Italian jeweler’s evolution since its founding in Milan in 1967, tracing how the brand reshaped contemporary jewelry through innovative design, craftsmanship, color and advertising while championing women who buy jewelry for themselves.
Noun
-
The report found some shelter programs cost significantly more to operate than others, but due to incomplete and inconsistent data, auditors were unable to determine whether higher spending translated into better outcomes.
-
The findings have since been replicated across multiple follow-up analyses and extended to include women, cognitive outcomes and blood pressure.
Noun
-
In its proxy statement, for example, Fox cited revenue growth at its popular streaming service Tubi and high ratings for Fox News and Fox Sports.
-
For example, tree rings have helped show how Hurricane Harvey's intense flooding in Texas affected tree growth and how rain storms are intensifying.
Noun
-
The new vessel will continue to track that progress, officials said.
-
September 23 – October 22 Where can balance invite honest progress?
Noun
-
Nine strokes later, including three shots into the water across the green and three penalty strokes as a result, Poston finally sunk an eight-inch putt to move on with a 12.
-
Better results at the plate have given the Phillies some latitude to make mistakes on defense.
Noun
-
Concrete is a welcome part of vinification and maturation.
-
As mentioned before, the age statement varies depending on the release, but 10 years old sits right in the mid-range of maturation for a Kentucky bourbon, another positive sign for this whiskey.
Noun
-
The state expansion also means protection for the rare riparian forest.
-
The University of Pittsburgh’s record-setting growth is reshaping both its campus and Oakland, as the university leans into a long-term expansion plan that adds student beds, new facilities and economic heft to one of Pennsylvania’s busiest urban districts.
Noun
-
Pakistan has traditionally run large fiscal and external deficits, with a resultant rise in public debt.
-
The vessel’s owner and master will assume full responsibility for any resultant damage, the PGSA said.
Cite this Entry
“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/development. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
