devalue

verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing; devalues
Synonyms of devaluenext

transitive verb

1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of

intransitive verb

: to institute devaluation

Examples of devalue in a Sentence

The government has decided to devalue its currency. Economic woes forced the government to devalue. He argues that placing too many requirements on schools devalues the education they provide.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Communication itself is so devalued that content generation becomes more important than the contents of that content. New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2026 This would devalue existing bonds, potentially triggering cascading failures at banks and financial institutions. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 Although the safety position is typically devalued in the first round, Downs could go before the Cowboys have a chance to pick. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2026 Democracy demands resistance to policies that devalue life. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devalue

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of devalue was in 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Devalue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devalue. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

devalue

transitive verb
de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing
1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of
devaluing assets

More from Merriam-Webster on devalue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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