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
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Recent Examples of devolve
The Broncos have devolved from hype to hope.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025
The game often devolves into shouting.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
What was initially billed as a vigil for Kirk quickly devolved into an apparent White supremacist gathering, based on social media footage.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The exchange quickly devolved into name calling.
—Nik Popli, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025
The game often devolves into shouting.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
What was initially billed as a vigil for Kirk quickly devolved into an apparent White supremacist gathering, based on social media footage.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The exchange quickly devolved into name calling.
—Nik Popli, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
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Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement Our hygiene deteriorates.—
Eli Sharabi,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But the goals, tactics and personalities pressing hands to television necks didn’t descend fully formed on January 20, 2025.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Sep. 2025
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Hardcore fans from all over the planet will be descending on Spain for the opening shows, and many will likely follow them as the tour continues throughout Italy, England, Denmark, and Germany.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Perhaps most puzzling was coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense crumbling in the second half and overtime after three weeks of being arguably the league’s best defense.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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The defense then crumbled in the red zone for a hat trick of first-half scores.—
Mike Kaye
September 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mostly sunny and very warm; persistent dry weather will worsen drought conditions through the weekend.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
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Thompson said the lending skew will ultimately create worsened housing markets.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And some items, though limited, have seen prices decline, including Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream, Montgomery Inn’s full rack of ribs, Pringles potato chips and Red and Blue Bicycle Playing cards (though a standard deck has risen 11% in line with the overall index.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
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Netflix has declined to comment on Musk’s campaign.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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