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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Follow Pope Francis’ example April 23, 2025 Gomez’s devolution was especially dispiriting because L.A. Catholic leaders have taught their American peers how to embrace Latino immigrants ever since Archbishop John Cantwell helped refugees from Mexico’s Cristero War resettle in the city in the 1920s.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
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
Follow Pope Francis’ example April 23, 2025 Gomez’s devolution was especially dispiriting because L.A. Catholic leaders have taught their American peers how to embrace Latino immigrants ever since Archbishop John Cantwell helped refugees from Mexico’s Cristero War resettle in the city in the 1920s.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
Noun
-
Once that protective layer is compromised, even minor openings can lead to ongoing water intrusion that causes leaks, wood damage, microbial growth and structural deterioration over time.—
David Nye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
-
Membrane degradation, electrolyte deterioration and unnecessary stress on the electrolysis system all reduce asset value over time.—
Gregory Shahnovsky,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The car looks stable in slow-speed corners, efficient on straights and unusually gentle on tire degradation — exactly the combination needed to dominate modern Formula 1.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
-
The question, experts say, is whether officials can somehow deal with the dangerous chemicals in a way that does not end in a blast or the type of spill that causes environmental degradation.—
Sean Greene,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
But the decline actually ended years ago, and the latest numbers from the American Booksellers Association show independent stores expanding at a pace not seen this century.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Mutant cells in the aging brain, meanwhile, appear to contribute to cognitive decline.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.—
Ken B. Morales,
ProPublica,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
During certain portions of the race, competitors are forced to scramble on all fours while navigating steep inclines and narrow descents.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
-
But there was an undeniable partisan element to the descent as well.—
John Avlon,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
