as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Crinon had just exited the penalty box after elbowing Nathan MacKinnon in the chin; Wilson target-locked on Crinon and hit him cleanly before things devolved.
—
Sean Gentille, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
In the show, Lucy and Stephen are an on-off couple whose relationship devolves into a series of dark secrets and manipulations.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
The experiment ended early because the researchers became alarmed by how fast previously ordinary people devolved into violence when shielded from accountability.
—William Robiner, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
If the Cyclones get hot and the crowd really gets going, this game could devolve quickly.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Sean Gentille, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
In the show, Lucy and Stephen are an on-off couple whose relationship devolves into a series of dark secrets and manipulations.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
The experiment ended early because the researchers became alarmed by how fast previously ordinary people devolved into violence when shielded from accountability.
—William Robiner, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
If the Cyclones get hot and the crowd really gets going, this game could devolve quickly.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
-
As her vision deteriorates, Penny turns to psychoanalysis not in hopes of reversing her condition, but to confront years of denial and silence.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Common findings from sewer scopes include root intrusion at joints (especially common in clay pipes), belly or sag in the line where water pools, cracked or offset joints, and deteriorated Orangeburg sections.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That unfurled into the most fundamental reason the wide world of sports will be descending on Kansas City this June and July, with 650,000-plus visitors anticipated even before the base camp announcements.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Local forecasts show that heavy thunderstorms could descend on Daytona International Speedway on Sunday evening — which would punctuate a week of exclusively sunny weather.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
George Washington's chin is crumbling.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
After Malinin botched his final free in the singles competition, Cowan kept his distance as the skater crumbled into a grimace of abject disappointment.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Inflammation can cause or worsen chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
-
If something feels new, different or worsens with movement, don’t ignore it.—
Jennifer Shanker,
Flow Space,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cassia County Sheriff Jarrod Thompson’s office declined to comment Thursday and directed the Statesman back to Larsen.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Durant declined to address the allegation directly on Wednesday.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
