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 official cause of death was severe pneumonia, which devolved into sepsis and caused multiple other complications.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2026
As with pretty much everything involving California governance, discerning the state’s election results can devolve into a big, unruly mess.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Investigations, reviews and outside probes In the midst of the overpayment debate, the unemployment insurance division devolved into a series of investigations, reviews of those investigations and spiraling distrust between staff and superiors, labor department documents obtained by The Post show.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2026
As with pretty much everything involving California governance, discerning the state’s election results can devolve into a big, unruly mess.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Investigations, reviews and outside probes In the midst of the overpayment debate, the unemployment insurance division devolved into a series of investigations, reviews of those investigations and spiraling distrust between staff and superiors, labor department documents obtained by The Post show.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has been accused of secluding himself from the deteriorating realities of his invasion of Ukraine.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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Even though the mice on the sugar-free diet did not gain any extra weight compared to the control group, their internal health indicators deteriorated.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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In several photos and videos posted on social media, the 30-year-old can be seen descending the sheer face of the crater and gripping handholds while performing various acrobatic tricks before falling into the volcanic waters below.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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Or perhaps an alien predator with a maw of steel has descended on the center of Washington to beam up the executive branch.—
Philip Kennicott,
Washington Post,
14 June 2026
Verb
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During the morning low tide, while there was still a small stretch of sand, excavators were working to pile large rip-rap boulders next to the base of the crumbling Pacifica Pier.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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Cube and pan-fry firm tofu until golden, crumble into scrambles or tacos, marinate and bake, or add to curries and stir-fries.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Ongoing construction worsened the situation, but shortly after the interchange, traffic eased.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
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China’s economic imbalance worsened in May as retail sales fell at the fastest pace in years, while industrial output accelerated, new data showed.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
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In 2023, the year after five Tampa Bay Rays players declined to wear rainbow logos for Pride Night, Manfred said the league would no longer compel players to do so.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Factors such as declining birth rates and families moving out of the city are contributing to declining enrollment at Denver Public Schools.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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