devolved

past tense of devolve

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 devolved But the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has devolved significantly since its glory days atop the comedy calendar, proving to be a weaker platform for political satire than the Onion’s takeover of Infowars. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 Since the war has devolved into a quagmire, Kushner and Witkoff have been relegated to a secondary role in peace talks; Vance took the lead in the latest round, this summer. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 Twenty-five years later, Diane Sawyer can still remember the morning of September 11, 2001, when a standard Good Morning America broadcast with coanchor Charlie Gibson devolved into tragedy. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026 On Wednesday, the board’s conversation devolved into squabbling before Gaytán could even present her allegations to the directors. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026 Harris also saw the majority of his playing time late in the year when the Chargers’ offensive line had devolved into a completely non-viable unit, and the team failed to generate efficient production from any of its pass catchers. — Jakob Sanderson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Dolly was previously a tropical storm but has since weakened and devolved to a remnant with sustained winds of 40 mph. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 What started out with a kiss between two Democratic officials in a local township office has devolved into a southwest suburban political soap opera with the potential to reshape competitive races for Congress and the Cook County Board. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Many of the campaigns have devolved into arguments about the proper interpretation of theology and scripture, as well as the role people of faith and the government should play in shaping society. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolved
Verb
  • Carney maintained this approach even as US-Canada relations deteriorated and the economic rift between the neighbors grew.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • With no unionization company-wide, the efforts of distribution workers to seek any protections have been routinely dismissed while accidents and working conditions have deteriorated at many of their plants.
    — Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars descended upon Los Angeles over the weekend for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening Night Gala, celebrating George Lucas’ new 300,000-square-foot space dedicated to art, film and imagination.
    — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In October, studio hirelings with sound cameras and recording devices descended on suburbs around Los Angeles and smaller southern California towns and asked voters to voice their political preferences.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • One source familiar with the negotiations said the states had four separate votes against settling on Sunday, but the resistance eventually crumbled with word that the WGA was backing out of the fight.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, the structure crumbled in a roar of broken concrete and a cloud of dust.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Eastern Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, and fighting along the Ugandan and Rwandan borders has worsened in the last few years.
    — STEPHANIE PSAKI, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Steen had learning problems and had begun using drugs at 12 or 13, and his difficulties worsened after the motorcycle accident.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Pentagon declined to address questions about the accounting discrepancy.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Thrive Eternal, the sports properties company run by incoming Lakers owner Joshua Kushner, declined to comment because the NBA has not yet approved the sale.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Philadelphia Eagles drastically overhauled their playbook after their offense degenerated in 2025, and the technical and philosophical changes Hurts must master demand a departure from the comfort zones of past systems.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Now, Artnet News reports that her troubles have compounded, with the loss of a seven-acre house in the Hamptons, sold in a sidewalk foreclosure auction that quickly degenerated as police were called to intervene.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Cable’s not going away, broadcast isn’t going away; they’re just diminished.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But fans were alarmed by Love’s gaunt appearance and diminished singing voice.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devolved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolved. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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