Synonyms of developmental

developmental

adjective

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 

as in experimental

made or done as an experiment

developmental weaponry that is classified as top secret by the Pentagon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• experimental
• investigative
• trial
• pilot
• preliminary
• exploratory
• preparatory
• temporary
• hypothetical
• speculative
• theoretical
• tentative
• probative
• provisional
• conjectural
• untried
• unproven
• untested
• unproved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• standard
• established
• advanced
• accepted
• developed
• final
• permanent
• tested
• decisive
• definitive
• proved
• conclusive
• tried
• proven

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of developmental

To become a consistently productive defense this season, the Bears need a big developmental jump from Booker and another impactful season from Sweat. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Jackson said college sports are now part of a global economy in which elite athletes routinely move between developmental and professional systems. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Sowah heads overseas Valkyries developmental player Miela Sowah will join Team Australia in the World Cup next week, becoming the fourth Valkyries player to depart for the tournament. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Exhibit 10 signing With the Heat’s standard roster at 14 players after the signing of Richards, the Heat became eligible to begin adding developmental prospects to Exhibit 10 contracts. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026