develops

present tense third-person singular of develop
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as in unfolds
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as the story of the bombing developed, the scope of the tragedy became more apparent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 develops Ton develops her versatility while training with the Irvine Novaquatics club under coach Nathan Wilcox, who also coaches her at Fountain Valley. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 Unable to store new memories, Leonard develops an elaborate system of documentation involving photographs and tattoos to provide connective tissue to his future self. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 Any stronger, slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential rain could also trigger areas of flash flooding where the heaviest rain develops. Daniel Peck, ABC News, 6 June 2026 In most cases, a clog develops gradually as hair, soap residue, toothpaste, and other debris build up in the drain. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 Vaccines in the works Three vaccine makers — IAVI, a non-profit that develops vaccines, University of Oxford and biopharmaceutical company Moderna — are receiving the funds from CEPI. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 4 June 2026 Scholars on violent extremism, such as Cynthia Miller-Idriss, have warned that radicalization often develops gradually through social isolation and online exposure. Muhammad Aquil, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026 Insulin resistance often develops silently, well before blood sugar climbs into prediabetic range, which is why the right lab work can flag trouble years before a diabetes diagnosis. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 It all dependent on how the technology develops throughout this iterative era. Corbin Bolies, Variety, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develops
Verb
  • Another expression of that sentiment unfolds at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, where the pace slows and the focus shifts to immersion and well-being.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
  • Hiking enthusiasts will likely feel particularly drawn to this relationship term, which refers to eschewing the pressure to label things immediately and instead just taking it slow and seeing what unfolds.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • If a buyer acquires shares from an existing holder in a secondary purchase, that stock is generally not QSBS in the buyer’s hands.
    Jared Brenner, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Jon Hamm starts off voicing Mayor Jerry with two-faced smarm, but his performance acquires layers.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Details and design reflect that philosophy, from the wood fire burning in reception and the garden where your dinner grows to the private onsen steaming quietly while snow falls just feet away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
  • There is an anticipation of a logjam of players in the coming season or two, as the clock starts ticking on the eligibility of 19-year-olds, and their desperation to join a college roster grows.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The film expands Haig’s play and includes additional characters and sequences, including the actual D-day invasion.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • And yet as the series expands from and twists around its simple horror concept (a wedding at the groom-to-be’s family house in the woods is fated for a titular dark catastrophe), Morrone’s performance as Rachel is able to shoulder the weight of quite a bit of backstory and a complicated endgame.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Duncan forges ahead with Carl as his new partner.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
  • McCartney just forges ahead, and nothing can stop him.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • The nominal transaction is always visible, whether as spending on token use, software subscriptions, cloud services, or capital equipment; determining how its real content evolves over time is where the economic machinery breaks down.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • While some organizations may prefer to wait and see how AI Search evolves, others are already exploring ways to improve their visibility within these platforms.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • As guests don waders and walk into the shallow bay to the floating baskets where Navy Cove cultivates its bivalves, co-owner Eric Bradley shells out oyster-farming facts.
    Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • Research by Gao, Niu, and Yu published in Frontiers in Psychology found that intellectual humility in leadership cultivates team environments rooted in trust and collaboration, where leaders lean on collective wisdom rather than individual authority.
    Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • As the investigation progresses in this four-part docuseries, Stephen reveals the turbulent family dynamics that shaped his childhood, including his father Ron — a violent Vietnam War vet grappling with PTSD — and his mother, Margie, who divorced Ron in the '90s.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
  • As the journey progresses, a male driver and his female companion (neither pictured on-screen) begin to discuss the Winkie.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026

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“Develops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develops. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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