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
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Recent Examples of devolution
The devolution of the traditional life style coincided with a surge in social problems.
—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
24 Nov. 2025
On top of that, the devolution of NCAA amateurism presents a chance to reconsider elite player development.
—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Under the Trump administration, the devolution of the American ideal has accelerated in some ways that could only exist in the unique context of the current moment, and others that mirror the predictable, centuries old ouroboros of political power and decline.
—
Nikki McCann Ramirez,
Rolling Stone,
22 Sep. 2025
It certainly isn’t made better when her friends start grilling him about his participation in the devolution of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
24 Nov. 2025
On top of that, the devolution of NCAA amateurism presents a chance to reconsider elite player development.
—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Under the Trump administration, the devolution of the American ideal has accelerated in some ways that could only exist in the unique context of the current moment, and others that mirror the predictable, centuries old ouroboros of political power and decline.
—
Nikki McCann Ramirez,
Rolling Stone,
22 Sep. 2025
It certainly isn’t made better when her friends start grilling him about his participation in the devolution of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
Noun
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology said long-term corrosion and the failure of multiple slab-to-column connections likely contributed to a progressive collapse after weeks of structural deterioration.
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Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
Noun
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The building had long-term degradation from corrosion, too.
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Researchers worldwide continue to struggle with issues such as low ionic conductivity, interface degradation, manufacturing complexity, and cost.
Noun
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That window is shorter than most executives assume, as mental and physical declines often begin earlier than midlife, while the leader still feels fully capable and engaged.
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The decline in energy prices is easing inflation concerns, which has helped push the 10-year Treasury yield down roughly 9 basis points.
Noun
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The Phillies, off to an even worse start at 9-19, relieved Rob Thomson of his managerial duties Tuesday, and with Cora’s declination, named bench coach Don Mattingly interim skipper.
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The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
Noun
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SpaceX continued its sharp descent back to Earth.
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Look no further than the ninth inning of Sunday’s latest descent to the bottom.
Cite this Entry
“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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