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
Swalwell’s campaign rapidly devolved over the weekend as allegations surfaced, prompting prominent lawmakers and organizations to rescind their endorsements and staffers to exit his campaign and office.
—
Julia Mueller, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026
By the movie’s end, the charming love story has devolved into a disorienting series of mind games.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
The exchange devolved into a shouting match that had to be broken up by assistant coaches and the officials, and Auriemma exited the court without going through the postgame handshake line.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
After that provocative setup, Dream Scenario unfortunately devolved into a feeble, simplistic cancel-culture satire.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Julia Mueller, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026
By the movie’s end, the charming love story has devolved into a disorienting series of mind games.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
The exchange devolved into a shouting match that had to be broken up by assistant coaches and the officials, and Auriemma exited the court without going through the postgame handshake line.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
After that provocative setup, Dream Scenario unfortunately devolved into a feeble, simplistic cancel-culture satire.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
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Employees — unable to make payments without reimbursement — are watching their personal credit scores deteriorate as a result.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
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An old male Japanese macaque maintained alpha status as his ability to walk deteriorated, but only through an alliance with the alpha female.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Monday’s marathon will mark the first time it will be displayed to the running world descending upon the quaint suburban town in pursuit of their own race glory.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
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The crowd at the spring football game at Lane Stadium watched in alarm as the unidentified performer descended towards the big screen while carrying an American flag during the pre-game ceremony.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Then, in extra innings, Elly De La Cruz caused the Twins to crumble on defense and the Reds fired up the jet to Tampa with a series sweep.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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Tourists were flocking in as a new class of Cuban entrepreneurs renovated crumbling buildings into restaurants, art galleries and hotels.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some passengers took to social media, describing long delays, limited updates and worsening conditions onboard as the situation unfolded.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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On May 3, Belle’s condition worsened, and she was euthanized.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sturm declined comment on the elbow.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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The Nuggets refused to engage, declining to respond on the off day.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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