Synonyms of devolve

devolve

verb

di-ˈvälv 

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value

the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deteriorate
• descend
• crumble
• worsen
• decline
• diminish
• degenerate
• regress
• rot
• decay
• atrophy
• sink
• ebb
• weaken
• retrograde
• disintegrate
• recede
• decompose
• dwindle
• fall
• go to seed
• degrade
• wane
• reduce
• go to pot
• sag
• downsize
• putrefy
• slip
• abate
• undermine
• sour
• corrupt
• languish
• dilapidate
• lessen
• spoil
• debilitate
• fail
• de-escalate
• wilt
• waste (away)
• break down
• molder
• droop
• run down
• lower
• lag
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• ameliorate
• better
• upgrade
• intensify
• proceed
• enhance
• develop
• strengthen
• enrich
• meliorate
• heighten
• fortify
• advance
• progress
• march

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of devolve

Spiritual jazz would devolve into a whole constellation of hybrids and offshoots involving varying degrees of jazz, funk, and electronica. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

England was never devolved from the UK politically, which might explain why its major sports teams have retained ‘God Save The King’. — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026

The scenes devolve into action, tension and violence before landing, once again, on the coast as the pair’s connection grows more complex. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

With Zelensky, there were fewer signs of strain, showing improved relations between the two leaders, at least compared with their first meeting last year, which devolved into a shouting match in the Oval Office in front of television cameras. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026