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 The week’s biggest stories Boyle Heights fire A raucous town hall devolved into boos and chants as residents blamed a burning Lineage cold-storage warehouse for toxic smoke. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 With both nights devolving into chaos, Brooks and the other guys decide to call it quits on this gender experiment and plan to infiltrate the girls’ night and merge groups. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026 Things seem normal at first but quickly devolve once nighttime rolls around. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 Despite my own expertise and best efforts, my attempts to talk to my neighbors devolved into utter, frigid silence. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve

Verb

Zelenskyy said their relationship had deteriorated so badly that the two could no longer work together, but provided little additional explanation for removing Fedorov.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
In the ensuing decades after District 33 absorbed McAuley, the McAuley building deteriorated, with no significant maintenance done to it and no use other than for records and equipment storage.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

Yet, as the WNBA descends upon Chicago for All-Star weekend, Engelbert is reaching an inflection point in her tenure.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The complaints about regulations are one of the many cases where SNGA descends into political and cultural grievance.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

Inspired by the bright, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this hearty variation replaces bulgur with fluffy couscous and adds roasted eggplant and crumbled feta for extra substance and depth.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Tribal leaders warn that unstable oversight and crumbling facilities endanger Native students’ futures.

— Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

According to court documents, Wilson’s relationship with the producers had started deteriorating before filming began in 2023 – and worsened during post-production.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Weakening commodity prices and a worsening industrial relations climate in Australia is draining investor enthusiasm for the world’s biggest mining company, BHP.

— Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of worsen

Verb

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who previously oversaw the prosecution against Hermes, declined to comment on the closed criminal case or Hermes’ campaign.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
However, declining vaccination rates fueled by vaccine hesitancy have created pockets of susceptible individuals where the virus can spread quickly.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

devolutions

devolve

devolved

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“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolve

verb

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