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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Recent Examples of devolution
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
But as devolution boosted the visibility of Scotland’s saltire and Wales’ dragon in the 1990s, the Cross of St. George gained new prominence in England.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
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
But as devolution boosted the visibility of Scotland’s saltire and Wales’ dragon in the 1990s, the Cross of St. George gained new prominence in England.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
Noun
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It was closed in 1994 due to deterioration, and Kansas City residents passed a limited-run sales tax to support the building's restoration in 1998.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Jim argued the recent weakness has more to do with market dynamics than any deterioration in Nvidia's business.—
Alexa LoMonaco,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Noun
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For millennia, glacial ice and freezing temperatures protected Ötzi’s body — and microbes — from degradation and decay.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
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Researchers also confirmed the antenna could split beams between multiple users with minimal signal degradation.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Tending to Barbara in her days of decline is her child, a trans man, who Barbara refers to as her daughter throughout.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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The decline suggests a blow to small businesses that can’t afford the fee, but previously benefited from the visa program.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
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.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.—
Ken B. Morales,
ProPublica,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Both of his parents are of Italian descent, with family lineages originating in the Calabria region of southern Italy.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
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Why Stanley Tucci Is Synonymous With Italy Both of Tucci’s parents are of Italian descent, with family lineages originating in the Calabria region of southern Italy.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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