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
-
Prosecutors said the owners were given multiple warnings about the roof's deterioration and were even urged to cancel the concert that was going on at the time of the collapse.—
Jennifer Bisram,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In addition, physical deterioration has become a concern over time.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its habitat is being affected by climate change and fires started by farmers clearing land, which are contributing to ecosystem degradation in the region.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Its habitat is being affected by climate change and fires started by farmers clearing land, both of which are contributing to ecosystem degradation in the region.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Patrick De Haan, a petroleum expert at GasBuddy, said prices at the pump could start dropping as soon as this weekend, although the decline could initially amount to only a few cents per gallon.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
While not endangered, American woodcocks have experienced a population decline in recent decades.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
-
The Padillas’ descent into a DCF black hole isn’t a rare occurrence in Miami.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The film, shot in Ben Hania’s native Tunisia, stars Palestinian actors Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel, and Clara Khoury, and Saja Kilani who is Jordanian Canadian, of Palestinian descent.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
