1
as in to evolve
to gradually become clearer or more detailed
as the story of the bombing developed, the scope of the tragedy became more apparent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to acquire
to come to have gradually
the youngster developed a taste for green olives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grow
to become mature
the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to expand
to express more fully and in greater detail
marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to forge
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
outside consultants helped the company develop an effective marketing strategy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of develop
Occupational therapy supports individuals in developing, recovering and maintaining the skills needed for daily activities, including self-care, work, school, and community engagement.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
The cofounder of Canyon Equity, a firm that specializes in developing high-end resorts in rare locations, Henkel has become a connoisseur of remarkably quiet landscapes.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
According to reports, Japan hopes to develop lots of cheap, long-range (621 mile/1,000 km+) weapons that can overwhelm any potential rival in the future.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Research has shown that in the first few years of life, children’s brains are growing and developing rapidly, and those early years have long-term consequences for kids’ well-being.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
The cofounder of Canyon Equity, a firm that specializes in developing high-end resorts in rare locations, Henkel has become a connoisseur of remarkably quiet landscapes.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
According to reports, Japan hopes to develop lots of cheap, long-range (621 mile/1,000 km+) weapons that can overwhelm any potential rival in the future.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Research has shown that in the first few years of life, children’s brains are growing and developing rapidly, and those early years have long-term consequences for kids’ well-being.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop
Verb
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Planets typically evolve from the rotating dust and gas disc encompassing a young star.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
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The collection merges advanced material engineering with innovative fiber compositions and a refined design language, offering a new perspective on how denim can evolve—both technically and aesthetically.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Lionel Messi’s name was already in lights on a stadium so unfinished that a permit to play Saturday’s game against Austin FC was just acquired Friday.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
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That was one of the Current’s biggest departures, enabling them to pay $1 million to acquire star attacker Croix Bethune from the Washington Spirit.—
PJ Green
April 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As ideological blocs collapsed, political scientist Samuel Huntington’s influential 1996 book Clash of Civilizations articulated a growing anxiety that globalization would harden into cultural antagonism rather than consensus.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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New Era, a 200-bed facility, has had recurring outbreaks of Legionella, the bacteria that grow within water and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, records show.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its owners have expanded their impact and influence to the nearby community to limit development and maintain its cultural identity, which includes restoring and caring for the historic stone buildings from the salt trade era.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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This will expand affordable rental options and enable home repairs, solar installations and energy upgrades.—
Chase Jordan
April 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Buford, who died March 26 at 104 of old age, had a philosophy forged in part by his service in one of World War II’s most memorable and bloody campaigns, the Battle of the Bulge.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
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It’s run by folks who were raised on the island’s rich soil, including young people who grew up running around like myself and are now taking over their parents’ roles, forging their own connections with guests.—
Emily Adler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This newsroom-wide project brings fast facts as stories unfold — making sure our local officials and institutions are telling the truth, serving our communities well and following through on their promises.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
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Others find their true calling much earlier in life—but few can top Logan Brown, a legal AI entrepreneur who watched court cases unfold before her recess days were over.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Taubel believes some of the supply problems have eased as early cultivator licensees' initial plants have fully grown and are cultivated.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Reviving that legacy would mean cultivating a new trust in government—such that an official knock at the door might be expected to herald something good as opposed to a masked federal agent.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Rangers will need their bats as the season progresses, especially Langford who entered this season with big expectations.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
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What Archaeologists Found on the Dannebroge Wreck Divers work in near-darkness amid silt and scattered cannonballs, progressing meter by meter to document and recover objects.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develop. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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