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

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

With Zelensky, there were fewer signs of strain, showing improved relations between the two leaders, at least compared with their first meeting last year, which devolved into a shouting match in the Oval Office in front of television cameras. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

The dinner in April devolved into chaos after authorities say Cole Allen opened fire inside the Washington Hilton hotel, where thousands of journalists and guests gathered for the annual celebration of the First Amendment. — Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 25 July 2026