DEVOLUTION Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

devolution

noun

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən

Definition of devolution

as in deterioration

a change to a lower state or level the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

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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 devolution That was a time of devolution in the UK, with the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd green-lit in 1997, and Northern Ireland’s Assembly a year later. — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026 This idea of devolution is Andy Burnham’s way of trying to restore people’s faith in democracy. — Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Ambitious goals Alongside lofty promises of change, welfare reform and devolution of power, Burham announced his first policy intervention – to tackle homelessness. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Rather than dwelling on his Blairite roots, Burnham calls for the devolution of power away from London and points to his record as the mayor of Greater Manchester County from 2017 until last week. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution

Noun

And each year, 324 billion cubic meters of freshwater are lost due to a combination of droughts and practices like deforestation and wetland deterioration, a volume that the World Bank says is equivalent to the annual needs of 280 million people.

— Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
International monitors have warned of a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of deterioration

Noun

In the small-cap space, Piper Sandler's Tenthoff likes Monte Rosa Therapeutics, a pioneer in protein degradation that selectively destroys disease-causing proteins.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
The degradation of Starshield is estimated to have cost Ukraine tens of millions of dollars in losses, according to an analysis by Dimko Zhluktenko, a drone pilot and analyst in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

— Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of degradation

Noun

But over the past year, the company has seen its share price decline by approximately a third, largely due to rising costs.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The decline was among the most noteworthy changes in polling about the November ballot, PPIC poll director Mark Baldassare told The Sacramento Bee.

— Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

To me, the two nude figures in languid declination seemed, saliently, to be melting in the heat of a summer day, but their triton-wielding and breast-cupping poses must certainly have also invited debate centuries before.

— Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026
The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.

— Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of declination

Noun

Arab Israelis of Palestinian descent make up 20% of the population but are often seen with suspicion because of their sympathies with other Palestinians.

— Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
In theory, the war’s descent into a painful stalemate should open the door to diplomatic outcomes.

— ALLISON MINOR, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of descent

Browse Nearby Words

devoirs

devolution

devolutions

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“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolution

noun

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