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

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 devolved 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 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 But the conflict has devolved into a fight over the strait as Iranian threats and attacks on shipping ground traffic through the waterway to a halt. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Other years devolved into long single-file processions where the handful of surviving cars simply tried to avoid becoming the next caution. — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Once among Latin America’s wealthiest nations, Venezuela had devolved into one of its poorest. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolved
  1. deteriorated
  2. descended
  3. crumbled
  4. worsened
  5. declined
  6. degenerated
  7. diminished
Verb
  • But in the 1970s, the neighborhood faced disinvestment and the properties deteriorated.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Harald's death came after the Norwegian royal household said his health had deteriorated.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of deteriorated
Verb
  • This time, on fourth down, a pack of Trojan defenders descended.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But all hell broke loose when the Gallaghers descended into the crowd to sign autographs, turning the theater into a mild mosh pit as fans jockeyed for a selfie or signature.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of descended
Verb
  • Wednesday’s ugly loss, in which Yoshinobu Yamamoto faltered after a strong start and the Dodgers crumbled late despite taking a 3-0 first-inning lead, was the latest example.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • More than 3,000 people are still missing across both countries, as complex search efforts continue in remote areas where roads and other infrastructure has crumbled.
    — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of crumbled
Verb
  • The toll has been worsened because of the country's widespread malnutrition, which increases the risk of severe illness and death from a measles infection.
    — Ali Asif Shawon, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
  • More expensive oil has worsened worries about the high inflation weighing on people and companies across the country, which gives extra heft to a couple reports coming later this week.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of worsened
Verb
  • Order could reshape federal wolf protections Gray wolves were first listed as endangered in 1967 after populations declined because of hunting and other human activities.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to provide further comment on the case to Fortune.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of declined
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
Definition of degenerated
Verb
  • Beyond that, sharpening a feel for when the initial danger has diminished should help the quarterback find a little extra time and space to reset and attack.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Foreign central banks and other institutions looking for a safe place to park their capital have diminished roles in the Treasury market and have increasingly turned to alternative havens like gold.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of diminished

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Cite this Entry

“Devolved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolved. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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