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

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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 Halzen helped pull the curtain back on a rare gang of neutrinos that scientists say hold clues about the development of the universe. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Learning initiatives that are disconnected from organizational strategy and employee capability development needs require a more strategic approach. — Gwen Mdinaradze, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 The middle game in Square Enix’s trilogy of remakes, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the reimagining of the classic PS1 RPG with modern visuals, an expansive open world, new gameplay elements, and even better character development. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 Ironically, Nvidia is a major driver of rising costs, with its focus on AI development increasing component prices as firms race to add memory capacity. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 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 evolution of land plants and the development of soil go hand in hand—as these pioneering plants, trees, and animals died and their decomposing remains were recycled on land, by fungi and the first soil invertebrates, modern soils began to form.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This focus on long-distance luxury marks a full-circle evolution for the British crossover.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of evolution
Noun
  • Small differences across those factors can affect the outcome.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In many of life’s winner-loser outcomes, the fate of the losers is all but inevitable, granted the values, resources and determination of the winners.
    — James Coffin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • The rest was onshore coalbed methane, or coal seam gas, and those resources aren’t in growth mode either.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Once a high-flying tech growth story, the nearly 30-year-old company is now the studio establishment as all the attention and investment has gone to AI bets in public markets.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of growth
Noun
  • Notable Nigerian President Bola Tinubu made the case for an African rating agency, arguing that the Big Three misjudge African risk and that a homegrown agency could spot progress early, which the global firms would later confirm.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Moscow and Kyiv have intensified their aerial assaults as progress along the 750-mile front line has largely ground to a halt.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of progress
Noun
  • The result is sophisticated yet inviting—think elevated beach house with a dash of desert aesthetic.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Another prospective study, from Emory University, found evidence of racial bias, but that the inaccurate results were not fully accounted for by variations in skin tone.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • This annual release consists of mature rye whiskey given experimental secondary maturations, sometimes marking a first for the industry.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 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
  • In addition to being the league’s most valuable franchise, the Valkyries now hold the record for the fastest advancement to the Finals for an expansion team, making it to the championship in only their second season.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The plan is to grow to 100 million in 2028, once a gas-processing expansion is complete.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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