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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Ellis' team developed a Spike Lee room, a scavenger hunt of the two-time Oscar winner's iconic career.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Over the years, our Test Kitchen has developed many versions of these two-bite appetizers, but nothing can top these Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The character Batista was developed especially for him.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
This argument was later developed at great length by Nietzsche, one of several thinkers in this tradition who inspired the rise of fascism.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Over the years, our Test Kitchen has developed many versions of these two-bite appetizers, but nothing can top these Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The character Batista was developed especially for him.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
This argument was later developed at great length by Nietzsche, one of several thinkers in this tradition who inspired the rise of fascism.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop
Verb
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Beyond thermal resilience, the technology is expected to advance as materials and cell designs continue to evolve.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The mood around EVs can be attributed to many factors, such as the loss of federal tax credits in 2025; the end of emissions waivers and revenues from carbon credits; and diminished aftermarket values as consumers fear battery degradation and anticipate quickly evolving technologies.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wasserman acquired its music operations in 2021 when Paradigm talent agency went through a fire sale process.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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After acquiring veteran pitcher Mitch Spence from the Athletics on Thursday, the Royals stayed busy Friday by signing lefty pitcher John Means to a minor-league deal.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Israel has raised its alert level amid growing indications of a potential joint US-Israel strike on Iran, Israeli sources told CNN.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Support for social media bans for teenagers has reportedly grown across the European Union.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Integrating unmanned logistics The Army continues to expand its use of unmanned systems across air and ground domains.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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However, according to a draft of its charter, its mission has since expanded to address conflicts worldwide.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now the two have forged a close relationship, bonding over their music, their careers, and—as moms—their children.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
17 Feb. 2026
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Adding to the complexity and focus of the business, it was announced in November 2019 that Coty had forged a long-term partnership with Kylie Jenner for a 51 percent stake in her Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin brands, for $600 million.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tucked into the upper Devonshire neighborhood and situated on nearly half an acre, the home at 5420 Surrey Circle unfolds as a masterclass in warm, livable contemporary design.—
Allie Beth Allman & Associates,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
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The programmer is insulated by design, having deliberately built a system whose behavior is meant to unfold without direct control.—
Deb Roy,
The Atlantic,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The actor, who also produced the film alongside Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas, has cultivated a solid relationship with Chinese moviegoers through previous releases.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
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Why Seedlings Need to Be Hardened Off Indoor seedlings are cultivated in a sheltered environment where they’re protected from harsh winds, bright sunlight, and cool spring breezes.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As athletes progress through the sport, growth spurts or puberty can interrupt athletic progress, especially during jumps.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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Refund sizes likely to expand Refunds will likely grow in size as tax season progresses.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develop. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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