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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Recent Examples of devolve
After Anthony's bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 in April, a press conference hosted by Alexander and NGAN devolved into chaos when Jeff Metcalf showed up.
—
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Trump has sent in thousands of National Guard troops to protect immigration officers in the wake of recent protests in Los Angeles, which at times have devolved into violence.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 20 June 2025
The explosion of nudity in 28 Years Later makes sense for logistical but also thematic reasons, as society has further devolved in the nearly three decades since the initial outbreak.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 2025
The protests have been largely peaceful, though some devolved into violence, with people throwing water bottles, cement, Molotov cocktails and other items at law enforcement officials.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Trump has sent in thousands of National Guard troops to protect immigration officers in the wake of recent protests in Los Angeles, which at times have devolved into violence.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 20 June 2025
The explosion of nudity in 28 Years Later makes sense for logistical but also thematic reasons, as society has further devolved in the nearly three decades since the initial outbreak.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 2025
The protests have been largely peaceful, though some devolved into violence, with people throwing water bottles, cement, Molotov cocktails and other items at law enforcement officials.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
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The rallies are borne of a deep dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, the deteriorating quality of public services, the administration’s overzealous approach to taxation, and police brutality.—
Ken Opalo,
semafor.com,
21 July 2025
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The two deteriorating sites are both on the radar of municipal officials.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Riders descend the steep volcanic slope at speeds up to 40 miles per hour, wearing jumpsuits and goggles for protection.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
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The company descended into a form of professional wrestling madness as storylines no longer made sense, with the curtain frequently pulled back to expose pro wrestling in a way that was heresy to many longtime fans.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The school plans to kick off the upcoming high school football season with the new seating, which replaced crumbling concrete bleachers that were estimated at roughly 50 years old.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
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Gran Sasso National Park has trails that weave through medieval villages, crumbling castles, and valleys where wild horses still roam.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
23 July 2025
Verb
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This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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When reached on the phone, Gate of the Era declined to comment.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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