development

noun

di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
Definition of developmentnext
1
as in evolution
the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the development of an idea into a marketable product

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Relevance

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2
as in outcome
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause a development that the writers of the law never anticipated or intended

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in growth
the process of becoming mature a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 development Moshier has established a leadership development company and says his years with Murphy help him in the workplace as far as valuing candor and knowing when to have tough conversations. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The difference between organizations that develop leaders effectively and those that spend without return is whether the development is anchored to an honest external baseline. — Aurelien Mangano, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 All told, 75% of Americans say their feelings about the growth and development of AI technology are closer to fear and concern than hope and excitement, and 43% feel that way strongly. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 The event opens doors to development, financing, co-production, and industry support. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for development
Recent Examples of Synonyms for development
  1. evolution
  2. outcome
  3. growth
  4. progress
  5. result
  6. maturation
  7. expansion
  8. resultant
Noun
  • The initiative includes a retrospective exhibition that traces the evolution of beachwear and a special opening-night show that combines live music, imagery and technology to demonstrate the durability of garments and innovation in textiles.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The moves represent the next stage of JWS’ evolution from a media brand into the central digital infrastructure for women’s sports, offering a single destination to follow the games, teams and leagues.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of evolution
Noun
  • Whatever the outcome, the presidential vote may resolve little.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The timing suggested that the United States was consciously undercutting an ostensible ally, pressuring Zelensky to step aside or risk catastrophic outcomes on the battlefield.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • Not surprisingly, the legislation does nothing to curb the growth of compensation and other benefits for college presidents, athletics directors, coaches and staff who continue to be in charge of the athletes under their control.
    — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Debt acts as a ceiling on private investment, further stifling growth.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of growth
Noun
  • The communication between Ohtani and the team on injuries has been a work in progress in his third year with the Dodgers.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Years of integrating services, supported by money and the authority to require involvement, help explain Abu Dhabi’s progress.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of progress
Noun
  • Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Some core symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as avoidance and a lack of motivation, can be seen as the results of a brain stuck in the dark room, according to Friston.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • As mentioned before, that secondary maturation is a first for the Irish whiskey category.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • It is also marked by a modulation, and maturation, of Pavese’s poetic aims.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of maturation
Noun
  • Blue Origin’s expansion reflects the infrastructure demands of a higher launch cadence.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • During her State of the Union address on 16th September, President von der Leyen committed to overhauling single market rules by the end of next year and advancing EU Inc to streamline cross-border expansion.
    — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of expansion
Noun
  • Inadequate funding and the resultant low pay for correctional officers, when compared to other law enforcement agencies, have plagued the bureau for years.
    — Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Surprisingly, despite his role in the Fast & Furious franchise and the resultant persona fans project on him, Gibson is, admittedly, not interested in pursuing motorsport and had never been drifting.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of resultant

Browse Nearby Words

developing
development
developmental
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Cite this Entry

“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/development. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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