Definition of developnext
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
3
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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of develop Since the goal is to remove most of the old stems, prune back thick remaining stems to new canes that develop lower on the stem over the next couple of years. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 Mostly out of necessity, Ukraine developed cheap interceptor drones known as the Sting system, which are operated by pilots who can guide them to crash into Shahed drones, forcing them to explode. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Mar. 2026 The recent developments evoke the clash of civilizations theory developed by Samuel Huntington in the 1990s. Debidatta A. Mahapatra, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026 Officers developed probable cause to arrest the suspect; the suspect's identity and charges were pending as of Friday afternoon, police said. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for develop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop
Verb
  • Maintaining operational compatibility across both submarine generations is intended to preserve continuity within the United States’ nuclear triad as the fleet evolves, reports Army Recognition.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Within the marathoning world, the introduction of a nonbinary division is relatively new and has been a quickly evolving issue.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scott Laughton scored in his debut for the Kings, who acquired the center in a trade with Toronto on Friday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The Sharks acquired the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Allan, goalie Laurent Brossoit, and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick in January for defenseman Jake Furlong, a 2028 fourth-round draft pick, and the contract of defenseman Ryan Ellis.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Finding the right adviser could make finances grow.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Polish patiently, so steady practice grows your confidence.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Situationist is also expanding its team, with a new office above the new store.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Republican lawmakers are opposed to expanding health care to undocumented immigrants, and particularly ready to attack Democrat efforts to raise new revenues to do so.
    Andrew Graham March 9, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Brown forged an unexpected new life after the execution of her abolitionist husband John Brown.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Their bond is forged when the children’s TV show host helps the jaded journalist navigate a difficult relationship with his problematic father.
    Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Right above water in the heart of town, the historic villa unfolds across three levels, each lined with panoramic terraces that capture sweeping 180-degree views of the coastline.
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The main restaurant unfolds across a wraparound deck overlooking an area for fireside dinners and performances by traditional Venda dancers and drummers, but there are plenty of opportunities to dine in the bush.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • So as the secure and stable image Dubai spent so long cultivating crumbles, is a mass exodus imminent?
    Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps the intent is to cultivate suspense, yet the effect is a frustrating vagueness around the base conditions for the show’s central infatuation.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The project has also progressed at an unusually rapid pace for American nuclear development.
    David Szondy March 08, New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Legislature has moved slowly on many bills, with some debated at length and progressing through one chamber only to be stalled in the other.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develop. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on develop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster