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
Investigations, reviews and outside probes In the midst of the overpayment debate, the unemployment insurance division devolved into a series of investigations, reviews of those investigations and spiraling distrust between staff and superiors, labor department documents obtained by The Post show.
—
Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Other demonstrations have devolved into clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.
—CBS News, 28 May 2026
California’s High-Speed Rail has devolved into a case study of bureaucratic incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
There, in the infield, stood those who were connected by unconditional love to Busch, the NASCAR all-time great who died suddenly Thursday at age 41 due to severe pneumonia that devolved into sepsis.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2026
In the past, that has often devolved into cheap political point-scoring.
—ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
The ground attack eventually devolved into a double ankle lock, where both Mox and O’Reilly had the hold locked in on one another.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
This year, the Bucks devolved into a 50-loss lottery team, snapping a nine-year playoff streak.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 22 May 2026
The two hit it off but eventually devolved into an abusive relationship fueled by drinking.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Other demonstrations have devolved into clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.
—CBS News, 28 May 2026
California’s High-Speed Rail has devolved into a case study of bureaucratic incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
There, in the infield, stood those who were connected by unconditional love to Busch, the NASCAR all-time great who died suddenly Thursday at age 41 due to severe pneumonia that devolved into sepsis.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2026
In the past, that has often devolved into cheap political point-scoring.
—ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
The ground attack eventually devolved into a double ankle lock, where both Mox and O’Reilly had the hold locked in on one another.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
This year, the Bucks devolved into a 50-loss lottery team, snapping a nine-year playoff streak.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 22 May 2026
The two hit it off but eventually devolved into an abusive relationship fueled by drinking.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolved
Verb
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Analysts say the White House would favor a right-wing candidate, and that a victory for either Valencia or de la Espriella would probably mean a return to closer cooperation with Washington on security policy, after relations deteriorated under Petro.—
Catherine Ellis,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
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Regarding their own industries, CEO assessments about current conditions and expectations in six months deteriorated since last quarter.—
Sarah Min,Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
The first season immediately put the team through their paces when a huge tornado descended upon a country music festival.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 May 2026
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On Sunday, hundreds of teenagers descended on a housing project on the West Side.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Cucumbers and shallots add a welcome crunch to this refreshing summer salad of cubed watermelon, fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
-
On May 28, 1871, over a hundred Communards were shot dead right here as dreams of a Socialist utopia crumbled around them.—
Emily Cox,
ARTnews.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The outbreak in Congo has rapidly worsened, with cases climbing to more than 1,000 and deaths topping 200, according to the World Health Organization.—
Monica Alba,
NBC news,
27 May 2026
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City Dock's construction impact on businesses Wilkerson said business began dropping after parking was removed near the waterfront last year and worsened as more fencing and construction took over the area.—
Caroline Foreback,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Enrollment declined the past two years at DU after years of growth, Rinehart said.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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When asked about her challenging Qualls in a primary, her campaign declined to comment Saturday.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Attendance diminished in recent years as the Wizards tore down their roster in the hopes of accumulating draft picks in trades and losing enough games to win early picks via the annual draft lottery.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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The future-proof leader is the person disciplined enough to question their own assumptions, recognize when familiar frameworks no longer serve the moment, and understand that leadership is strengthened, not diminished, by remaining open to growth.—
Mary Hemphill,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolved. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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