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.
Classrooms are over-crowded, and teachers are overwhelmed and too often devalued. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 The wave of lawsuits has expanded in recent years as dozens of residents and farmers allege PFAS contamination has devalued their properties and put their health and livelihoods at risk. Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026 The national debt and both parties’ willingness to continue spending money have devalued the dollar and continued our trend of rising inflation. Kevin Fixler may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026 But according to an analysis today from Eno Sarris, Andrew Baggarly and Dan Hayes, that exclusivity has dwindled over the past decade, to the point the stat itself is potentially devalued. Chris Branch, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Devalue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devalue. Accessed 12 May. 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

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