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 Their ensuing correspondence with the department began politely but devolved into threats and demands emphasized in italic type. — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 Protests last week devolved into mayhem, with people setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing shop windows, looting and clashing with police. — Elitsa Gadeva, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 Until a curfew was imposed, the protests had devolved into widespread shoplifting after sundown. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The game’s intro devolved into a Saw-esque monologue, then Fallon made a dude drink pond water. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve

Verb

Unreliable water supplies, deteriorating roads, corruption, and mismanagement of municipal finances, have left many councils struggling to provide basic services.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
The surprise defection followed weeks of deteriorating relations with her former primary opponent, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

That levity is something Great Jobs could use more of; the mood can occasionally be so smothering as to descend into mild sterility.

— Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
Six Flags plans to add seat belts to certain coasters that use a descending lap bar similar to the one on Georgia’s Goliath ride.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

Before it was demolished in the early 1800s, his crumbling mansion was said to be haunted by ghosts and strange occurrences.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
While the bread is toasting, cook sausage in a large skillet, crumbling it into pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 minutes.

— Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

About one-third of younger GOP voters said Trump had worsened the country's economic conditions, compared with about 2 in 10 older Republican voters.

— STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
However, an older study from 2012 found that drinking cold water can worsen achalasia.

— Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of worsen

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devolutions

devolve

devolved

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“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolve

verb

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