DEVOLVE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

devolve

verb

di-ˈvälv

Definition of devolve

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

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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 devolve Protests last week devolved into mayhem, with people setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing shop windows, looting and clashing with police. — Elitsa Gadeva, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 Until a curfew was imposed, the protests had devolved into widespread shoplifting after sundown. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The game’s intro devolved into a Saw-esque monologue, then Fallon made a dude drink pond water. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 By this time, the interview has devolved into fun-loving chaos. — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve

Verb

Netanyahu faces an international arrest warrant, experts have accused Israel of genocide, and Israel’s image has further deteriorated with a spike in settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

— Josef Federman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Their return on investment becomes clear when conditions deteriorate and the organization is still able to operate, invest and make decisions on its own terms.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

Some 100,000 people descended on the neighborhood, causing human traffic jams in the narrow streets.

— Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
To keep released fish alive, Florida Sea Grant’s Return ’Em Right program urges anglers to use descending devices, which return fish quickly to depth, and offers free devices to those who complete an online course.

— Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

Meanwhile, the institutions that once policed this behavior are crumbling, and the new ones emerging in their place seem like they’re engineered to reward it.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Nearly a third of its education budget is eaten up by pensions, so its poorer schools are crumbling.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

Her chances at having a baby only seemed to worsen in 2014, when a colorectal surgeon attempted to reposition her stoma — an opening in the abdomen through which waste exits the body — to make pregnancy possible, but the surgery was unsuccessful.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
Considering Intel's guidance on the worsening PC slowdown, commentary on current-quarter demand will carry more weight than the September-quarter results.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of worsen

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devolutions

devolve

devolved

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“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolve

verb

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