Synonyms of devolve

devolve

verb

di-ˈvälv 

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value

the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deteriorate
• descend
• crumble
• worsen
• decline
• diminish
• degenerate
• regress
• rot
• decay
• atrophy
• sink
• ebb
• weaken
• retrograde
• disintegrate
• recede
• decompose
• dwindle
• fall
• go to seed
• degrade
• wane
• reduce
• go to pot
• sag
• downsize
• putrefy
• slip
• abate
• undermine
• sour
• corrupt
• languish
• dilapidate
• lessen
• spoil
• debilitate
• fail
• de-escalate
• wilt
• waste (away)
• break down
• molder
• droop
• run down
• lower
• lag
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• ameliorate
• better
• upgrade
• intensify
• proceed
• enhance
• develop
• strengthen
• enrich
• meliorate
• heighten
• fortify
• advance
• progress
• march

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of devolve

Other years devolved into long single-file processions where the handful of surviving cars simply tried to avoid becoming the next caution. — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Spiritual jazz would devolve into a whole constellation of hybrids and offshoots involving varying degrees of jazz, funk, and electronica. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

England was never devolved from the UK politically, which might explain why its major sports teams have retained ‘God Save The King’. — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026

The scenes devolve into action, tension and violence before landing, once again, on the coast as the pair’s connection grows more complex. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026