1
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
Relevance
2
as in acquires
to come to have gradually
the youngster developed a taste for green olives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in grows
to become mature
the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in expands
to express more fully and in greater detail
marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in forges
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
outside consultants helped the company develop an effective marketing strategy
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 develops
Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions and others to ensure Iowa develops a skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector.
—
Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judiciary that develops sentencing policies and guidelines for federal courts based on those laws.
—Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Snow develops late Wednesday night across the Western Slope and the Continental Divide.
—Joe Ruch, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
During fermentation, sourdough develops organic acids, such as lactic and acetic, that help slow the rate at which starch is broken down and absorbed.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Her newest is about the unlikely friendship that develops between a rescue dog and an orphaned cheetah who are paired together by a zoo.
—Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Villanelle develops her own fascination with Eve, leading to a unique cat-and-mouse game.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Crusoe develops a legal system, builds a Conservatory of Weights and Measures, and falls in love with a cave.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2025
Sulfur prevents fungal spores from germinating and must be applied as a preventive measure before the disease develops for effective results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judiciary that develops sentencing policies and guidelines for federal courts based on those laws.
—Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Snow develops late Wednesday night across the Western Slope and the Continental Divide.
—Joe Ruch, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
During fermentation, sourdough develops organic acids, such as lactic and acetic, that help slow the rate at which starch is broken down and absorbed.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Her newest is about the unlikely friendship that develops between a rescue dog and an orphaned cheetah who are paired together by a zoo.
—Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Villanelle develops her own fascination with Eve, leading to a unique cat-and-mouse game.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Crusoe develops a legal system, builds a Conservatory of Weights and Measures, and falls in love with a cave.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2025
Sulfur prevents fungal spores from germinating and must be applied as a preventive measure before the disease develops for effective results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develops
Verb
-
As this event unfolds, its historic potential hangs heavy in the air.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Much of this lovely, cerebral film unfolds in a cozy Manhattan high-rise, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background as snow falls outside.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There’s the younger wife who falls in love with the woman her husband hires for a threesome, then walks off 10 minutes later with a $210m settlement once Nash acquires video evidence of his extensive perversions.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But scarcity acquires a different symbolic tenor in the context of a commitment to be available for everyone.—
Elliot Haspel,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The farm in the mountains south of Fayetteville grows nine different varieties of lettuce, including red and green varieties of Bibb, Oakleaf and Sweet Crisp lettuces, romaine, arugula, kale, bok choy, microgreens, as well as herbs like basil, thyme and oregano.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Incentives support large-scale deployment by 2026 as freight and public transport demand grows.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Thad Cisneros is the chief of the Proud Boys’ Salt Lake City chapter who forges an unusual alliance with a Black Lives Matter activist.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Rain won't stop proceedings as the Tournament of Roses forges ahead with the New Year's Day tradition Thursday — its first wet parade in two decades.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But as consumers' perception of value evolves, and their wallets tighten, some surprising stalwarts in the sit-down sector are making a comeback.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
-
And as the audio space evolves into whatever comes next — the network’s foundation ensures its relevance.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In her own life, Kat cultivates those conditions.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
By fostering an internal environment where employees are encouraged to question assumptions, share expertise, and engage in reflective thinking, The Rise Group cultivates the intellectual space needed to pursue meaningful insights.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But the reality for him, fairly or unfairly, is that if some of the habits persist, the smoke may turn to fire as the season progresses.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
As the show progresses, flashbacks also reveal parts of many of the characters' pasts.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Develops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develops. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share