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

By those measures, PJP continues to stand out, particularly as other areas of the market experience technical deterioration.

— Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
This deterioration releases toxic substances from muscle fibers into the blood and kidneys, which can cause kidney damage.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of deterioration

Noun

Another factor is the degradation of Russia’s refinery infrastructure, which has sustained considerable damage from Ukrainian attacks.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Oxford Economics found that 47% of technology leaders said customers are often the first to detect service degradation or outages.

— Rohan Joshi, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of degradation

Noun

And Musk’s businesses took a hit on Wednesday after already seeing declines in overnight trading.

— Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
Consequently, industry experts emphasize that underlying supply tightness remains unchanged, suggesting overnight crude price declines reflect short term market sentiment reactions to election results rather than shifting fundamentals.

— , CNBC, 5 Nov. 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

After completing its descent sequence, the booster touched down on the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
First flight of the heavier CZ-10 with an uncrewed Lanyue lander performing a lunar descent and ascent test, exercising the lander’s propulsion and guidance.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolution

noun

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