Synonyms of development

development

noun

di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evolution
• progress
• expansion
• progression
• growth
• advancement
• improvement
• emergence
• elaboration
• maturation
• enhancement
• betterment
• refinement
• flowering
• incubation
• maturing
• augmentation
• ripening
• metamorphosis
• supplementation
• evolvement
• flourishing
• blossoming
• perfection
• addition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regression
• reversion
• retrogression
• regress
• lapse
• relapse
• degradation
• deterioration
• decline
• decay
• degeneration
• falling
• devaluation
• weakening
• downfall
• descent
• declination
• degeneracy
• decadence
• downgrade
• declension
• backslide
• decaying
• ebbing

2

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause

a development that the writers of the law never anticipated or intended

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• product
• consequence
• effect
• matter of course
• aftermath
• outgrowth
• fruit
• child
• sequel
• issue
• upshot
• implication
• sequence
• precipitate
• fate
• backwash
• corollary
• conclusion
• aftereffect
• ramification
• repercussion
• denouement
• fallout
• by-product
• side effect
• echo
• offshoot
• spin-off
• afterglow
• afterclap
• blowback
• aftershock
• ripple

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cause
• reason
• consideration
• factor
• basis
• occasion
• base
• foundation
• ground
• causation
• antecedent
• mother
• source
• determinant
• stimulus
• incentive
• origin
• inspiration
• spring
• groundwork
• root
• impetus
• instigation

3

as in growth

the process of becoming mature

a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower

Synonyms & Similar Words

• growth
• evolution
• maturation
• flowering
• maturing
• ripening
• progression
• blossoming
• flourishing
• softening
• evolvement
• expansion
• maturity
• mellowing
• coming-of-age

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deterioration
• declining
• decay
• decline
• degeneration
• descent
• decadence
• decaying
• declension
• waning
• death
• fading
• demise
• end
• withering
• exit
• wilting
• expiration
• regression
• dying
• decease
• reversion
• expiry
• perishing
• retrogression
• shriveling
• ebbing
• expiring

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of development

The Idaho franchisee has a five-store development agreement for the greater Boise area, according to the press release. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026

Kaylee Caton, design manager with Concord’s Planning Department, said the city tries to do studies every five years to match current and future development. — Dj Simmons july 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

In Presidio's case, the development district is arguing that Homeland Security is running afoul of the Rivers and Harbors Act. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

The Eastridge development at the intersection of Bailey Road and Sterling Avenue will include 73 new single-family homes on 46 acres. — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026