devolve

verb

di-ˈvälv How to pronounce devolve (audio)
Definition of devolvenext
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The week’s biggest stories Boyle Heights fire A raucous town hall devolved into boos and chants as residents blamed a burning Lineage cold-storage warehouse for toxic smoke. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 With both nights devolving into chaos, Brooks and the other guys decide to call it quits on this gender experiment and plan to infiltrate the girls’ night and merge groups. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026 Things seem normal at first but quickly devolve once nighttime rolls around. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 Despite my own expertise and best efforts, my attempts to talk to my neighbors devolved into utter, frigid silence. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
  1. deteriorate
  2. descend
  3. crumble
  4. worsen
  5. decline
Verb
  • The exact cause isn’t known, but Parkinson’s develops when cells that produce one of the brain’s chemical messengers — dopamine — begin to deteriorate and die.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • At the risk level, probability models can detect deteriorating household conditions, weakening purchase intentions or rising caution before these forces appear in traditional economic releases.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of deteriorate
Verb
  • About 40 minutes later, as the plane was starting to descend, it was hit by ice and almost simultaneously, Nome’s runways closed for deicing that would last 10 to 15 minutes, the NTSB reported.
    — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Thousands will descend on Genesee Park to catch the celebrations in and around the waters of Lake Washington.
    — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of descend
Verb
  • Inspired by the bright, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this hearty variation replaces bulgur with fluffy couscous and adds roasted eggplant and crumbled feta for extra substance and depth.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • Tribal leaders warn that unstable oversight and crumbling facilities endanger Native students’ futures.
    — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • According to court documents, Wilson’s relationship with the producers had started deteriorating before filming began in 2023 – and worsened during post-production.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Weakening commodity prices and a worsening industrial relations climate in Australia is draining investor enthusiasm for the world’s biggest mining company, BHP.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • When reached by phone by CNN, one of the lead doctors for the trial, Yu Yongguo, declined to comment and hung up.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The Pentagon declined to comment when contacted by CBS News for this story.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

devolutions
devolve
devolved
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of devolve for Spanish Speakers

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