DEVOLVED Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

devolved

verb

past tense of devolve

as in deteriorated

to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

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Recent Examples of devolved 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 Nick Jackson was still on the floor as this devolved into a handicap match. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 The dinner in April devolved into chaos after authorities say Cole Allen opened fire inside the Washington Hilton hotel, where thousands of journalists and guests gathered for the annual celebration of the First Amendment. — Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 25 July 2026 But much of the discussion devolved into where members fell on the idea of also adding a stop at the intersection of North Graham and West Craighead Road. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 But during his stay, Haiti's already fragile political system devolved into unrest and violence that led to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and continues to today. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 2 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 Upon that person’s arrival, there was a confrontation that devolved into gunshots. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 The only real scoring chances arrived in the dying moments of a game that carried macabre tendencies, long after the match had devolved into a turf war. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolved

Verb

The leggings were still wet, heavily soiled, and badly deteriorated, LaHendro testified, making the edge detail too unreliable for comparison.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Oil prices have surged more than 30% in July with Brent crude breaking $100 per barrel on Thursday for the first time since May, as the security situation has rapidly deteriorated in the southern Red Sea and Hormuz.

— Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Definition of deteriorated

Verb

While pilgrims ascended the mountain, Mayo supporters descended en masse on Dublin for the final at Croke Park, splashing the county’s colours across the capital.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
That’s why, a day before the smoke plumes descended, Saxon was using zip ties to fasten an air quality sensor to the railing of a house in McKinley Park, the latest of 15 or so installations she’s done over the past few years.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Definition of descended

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
Let’s remember that Justin Herbert received early MVP buzz last year before his offensive line crumbled.

— Andy Behrens, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of crumbled

Verb

The shortage worsened as the summer arrived, which is considered trauma season and a period of elevated demand for blood.

— Velvet Wu July 29, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
The indiscriminate immigration raids that terrorized Latino communities appeared to have worsened after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in September, according to LULAC’s report.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of worsened

Verb

All the providers declined to speak with CNN about ongoing litigation.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
People who improved their adherence to MIND over 10 years, including those who didn’t follow it closely at first, had a 25% lower risk of dementia than those whose adherence declined.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of declined

Verb

Macron’s highest aspirations to, as a modern Talleyrand, inject himself and solve global issues such as Ukraine, Africa’s Sahel, Syria, Lebanon, or Iran have fallen short, degenerated into petty feuds, or backfired.

— Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Last fall, a Krousty Sabaïdi giveaway promoted by popular French influencer Fares Salvatore, who has more than 868,000 followers on TikTok, degenerated into mayhem when the call-out attracted 3,000 teenagers.

— Vivian Song, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of degenerated

Verb

But even without that hurdle, the incentive to sue has diminished now that basketball players can earn millions of dollars years before going to the NBA.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 July 2026
Workers seek transparency regarding AI's impact on their roles, assurance against job losses, and confidence that their value isn't diminished.

— Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of diminished

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“Devolved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolved. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolved

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