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devolve

verb

di-ˈvälv How to pronounce devolve (audio)
Definition of devolvenext
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 devolve On Wednesday, the board’s conversation devolved into squabbling before Gaytán could even present her allegations to the directors. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026 The book takes cues from both Song of Solomon and Sula — a revenge side plot in Song takes center stage and devolves in a Shakespearean fashion. — Tembe Denton-Hurst, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Harris also saw the majority of his playing time late in the year when the Chargers’ offensive line had devolved into a completely non-viable unit, and the team failed to generate efficient production from any of its pass catchers. — Jakob Sanderson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Some of the mayhem devolves into silliness, including a foot chase through Red Square (doubled by Budapest’s Heroes’ Square abetted with digital effects) and a vehicular chase in which Nick and Troy drive a nuclear missile launcher. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
  1. deteriorate
  2. descend
  3. crumble
  4. worsen
  5. decline
Verb
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • And that’s when the Twins began to sink, though the ship deteriorated far more over these past three weeks than at first.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of deteriorate
Verb
  • In July, the worst air quality since records began descended on Chicago in part due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.
    — Mikayla Price, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Nearly 500 federal, state and local officers descended on the sprawling plant, detaining 475 workers, mostly South Koreans.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of descend
Verb
  • Transportation officials posted a video showing severe erosion jeopardizing the train tracks used by Metrolink in San Clemente, with strong ocean waves crashing on the tracks and sediment crumbling onto the rocks below.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The Packers’ identity is that of a team that can’t shut the door, one that crumbles when momentum turns in a hostile away environment.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • Attacks by Yemen’s Houthis against Saudi energy infrastructure drove oil prices towards the $100 a barrel mark, as fears grow that the largely dormant Middle East conflict is worsening.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The worsening economic crisis led to weakness in the labor market, allowing employers to engage in wage repression and leading to further pressure on household incomes.
    — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • His attorney, Daniel Gerdts, declined to comment after the hearing.
    — TIM SULLIVAN, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • There are also discussions about an adjacent White House meeting with AI CEOs next week, which House Majority Leader Mike Johnson referenced, but a representative for the speaker declined to provide further details.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

devolutions
devolve
devolved
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Cite this Entry

“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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