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.
Critics contend that the country’s poverty rate sharply increased as Milei slashed welfare spending, devalued the country’s currency and rolled back labor rights as job losses mounted and as pension payments plummeted. Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026 Policies that devalue physician involvement will threaten access to high-quality anesthesia services, particularly in facilities caring for medically complex populations. Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026 Including devaluing rivalry games, limiting the importance of big regular-season matchups and risking the further degradation of non-conference schedules. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 That's a signal of how quickly organizations are devaluing the development of early-career talent. Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 25 May 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 2 Jun. 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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