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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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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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 Coffee and Kern said that development will probably never end. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 Exports of high-tech products such as electric vehicles, computer chips and other electronic equipment have risen sharply, helped by hefty government support since China’s leaders have made development of advanced technologies a top priority. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 In addition to the main house, kitchen and barn, the site is thought to include slave quarters, likely covered by development, and a springhouse, which is the 18th-century equivalent to a refrigerator. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 Spanish-language fiction ranks among Wattpad’s most popular categories, providing Webtoon Productions with a growing source of stories whose readership data and fan engagement can help inform development and adaptation decisions. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 14 July 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
  • Over the long course of hominin evolution, the human vocal tract underwent a significant reorganization.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Although the achievement is still awaiting formal certification, the milestone highlights the rapid evolution of high-performance drones for military applications.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of evolution
Noun
  • Even in that outcome, however, as Law recently wrote, Wiggins could end up one day thriving as a high-leverage arm.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Kaley’s case was a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, and the verdict could influence the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits accusing social media companies of deliberately causing harm.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • His ability to implement policies aimed at boosting economic growth — such as reindustrialization, building more social housing and taking greater public control of utilities — will also be severely constrained by weak government finances.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Nestlé has highlighted several long-term trends supporting that strategy, including cat ownership growing roughly three times faster than dog ownership in recent years and premium cat food outpacing premium dog food growth.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Definition of growth
Noun
  • Israel Owens, PhD, a Sandia physicist and co-inventor of the sensor, pointed out that the team is satisfied with the progress.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • Nearly three years later, the pioneers behind the double neural bypass have offered updates on their findings and Thomas’ progress.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
Definition of progress
Noun
  • On May 28, Johnson received results finding that the DNA profile sampled from one of Brown’s soda bottles could not be excluded as the contributor of the male blood from the victim’s nightgown, the detective wrote.
    — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • The chip sell-off also come despite strong results from ASML.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • For the film’s cast, including Locke, Connor, Walser, Yasmin Finney, Will Gao, Kizzy Edgell, Corinna Brown, Rhea Norwood and Tobie Donovan, the experience of making Heartstopper Forever has buoyed the story’s own maturation.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • Many secondary maturations are tried and true—think wine, sherry, or rum barrels.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Definition of maturation
Noun
  • Seven & i has been accelerating its global expansion with an eye toward increasing its worldwide store count, including Japan, from 87,000 to 100,000 by 2030.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • This strategic move signals Janie and Jack's broader expansion into authentic lifestyle partnerships, emphasizing experiences over products.
    — Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of expansion
Noun
  • The resultant sonic boom shock waves frequently shattered windows, cracked building walls, and unnerved citizens within earshot.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
  • Justices Thomas and Jackson focused in part on the court’s notorious 1857 decision called Dred Scott, which ruled a slave couldn’t be a citizen or claim the resultant rights and privileges.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 30 June 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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