devolution

noun

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce devolution (audio)
Definition of devolutionnext
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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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 devolution He is expected to announce a raft of policy changes, from devolution from London to an overhaul of the Treasury. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 20 July 2026 Burnham argues Greater Manchester, which has been granted more power in the last decade and achieved greater growth, is a case study in how devolution can work. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 Burnham presented his vision for a paradigm shift in British politics with devolution at the center of his plans for economic growth, public housing reform, industrial policy, and education. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 29 June 2026 The dam breaks, and Regina splits into laughter at Jobim’s deadpan devolution into nonsense. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. declination
  5. descent
Noun
  • Caregivers like Sherwood report mass burnout, financial strain and deterioration of their own physical and mental health from the stress of providing constant care.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The county has been attempting to chip away at its road maintenance backlog for years, but much of its transportation budget has gone toward preventing further deterioration.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • There could be IoT solution or sensor degradation, connectivity issues and hallucinations because of poor update procedures and more.
    — Punnam Raju Manthena, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • However, its natural habitat is at risk of degradation because of human activities such as aquaculture, conversion of forest and wetlands into farmlands, and infrastructure development.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • This decline could affect the annual value of his next contract.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Overall, patients who took estrogen-only hormone therapy for menopause were less likely to display signs of memory loss or cognitive decline or to be diagnosed with dementia.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of declination
Noun
  • In the second decade of the twentieth century—a period that became known as la Matanza—the killing of residents of Mexican descent was commonplace along the United States’ southern border.
    — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Trump and his allies have used the scheme to target Walz’s Democratic administration and the state’s Somali community, as some of the defendants are of Somali descent.
    — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of descent

Browse Nearby Words

devoirs
devolution
devolutions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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