DEVELOPMENT Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

development

noun

di-ˈve-ləp-mənt

Definition of development

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in growth

the process of becoming mature a tulip's development from a bulb into a flower

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 See All Example Sentences for development

Recent Examples of Synonyms for development

Noun

Film Independent President Juan Devis described the evolution as a deliberate break from legacy recognition toward something more active.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
With both boys squarely in their young adulthood, the film not only uses intimacy to depict the evolution of their relationship but also offers a realistic representation of teen sexuality.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026

Definition of evolution

Noun

This area was the same stretch that saw the first two full I-285 blockages, so drivers had a grip on what the outcome could be.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
The idea that his legacy should hinge on the outcome of one game — let alone a game settled on a penalty shootout — was the 1,003rd game of his career for club and country.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of outcome

Noun

How to visit Public access Because of its vastness and thick growth, most of the swamp is accessible only by helicopter or strenuous bushwhacking.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
The growth of the Dolphins defensive front will bode well for Hafley, especially considering the youth in the secondary.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of growth

Noun

Deng, 37, a University of Chicago professor who grew up in the tech hub of Shenzhen, won for his progress on partial differential equations.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
DiBernardo has been in the league since 2014, observing progress made on this front.

— PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of progress

Noun

The search result will show the surgeon’s certification status, including whether their license is active, suspended or revoked.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Friends of Big Bear Valley reported that the Ojai Raptor Center — where Jackie is receiving care — was unsure what was causing the symptoms as of Tuesday afternoon, and were waiting on test results for possible lead, zinc or rodenticide exposure.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of result

Noun

Some regions of the state are further along in fruit maturation than others, particularly the Central Coast, according to the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

— Lizzie Kane July 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
The first maturation occurs in new American and French oak barrels, like other Reserva expressions, and then the spirit is given its unique cask finish.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

Definition of maturation

Noun

The voucher effect The state’s voucher expansion has had a profound impact on the growth of Catholic schools.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Much of that expansion has been driven by the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical group that started the movement two months ago.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of expansion

Noun

The resultant sonic boom shock waves frequently shattered windows, cracked building walls, and unnerved citizens within earshot.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
Justices Thomas and Jackson focused in part on the court’s notorious 1857 decision called Dred Scott, which ruled a slave couldn’t be a citizen or claim the resultant rights and privileges.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of resultant

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developing

development

developmental

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Style

“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/development. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of development

noun

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