as in deteriorates
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 devolves
The scene swiftly devolves into a cat-and-mouse chase between Ghostface and poor Casey.
—
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026
The initial euphoria quickly devolves into Nikki becoming increasingly violent and erratic.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 15 May 2026
What starts as democratic, orderly, cooperative and hopeful quickly devolves into something violent, tribal, primitive and utterly wild.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Unfortunately for her, Steve’s more than ready for the attack, and what begins as a perfect friendship, devolves into an all-out feud.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
But when the goal of the endeavor shifts from listening to talking back, the project rapidly devolves into chaos.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Iran’s future must be a secular republic grounded in pluralism, one that recognizes its multinational character, guarantees language and cultural rights, and devolves real power to regions.
—Jalil Pakray, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Or, perhaps even more likely, Iran devolves into a morass, a chaotic power struggle that destabilizes the entire powder keg of a region.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026
The initial euphoria quickly devolves into Nikki becoming increasingly violent and erratic.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 15 May 2026
What starts as democratic, orderly, cooperative and hopeful quickly devolves into something violent, tribal, primitive and utterly wild.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Unfortunately for her, Steve’s more than ready for the attack, and what begins as a perfect friendship, devolves into an all-out feud.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
But when the goal of the endeavor shifts from listening to talking back, the project rapidly devolves into chaos.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Iran’s future must be a secular republic grounded in pluralism, one that recognizes its multinational character, guarantees language and cultural rights, and devolves real power to regions.
—Jalil Pakray, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Or, perhaps even more likely, Iran devolves into a morass, a chaotic power struggle that destabilizes the entire powder keg of a region.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolves
Verb
-
Another six months of war and the negotiating position deteriorates.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Meetings grow tense, and communication deteriorates.—
Niurys Robaina,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Now, Drake has pulled ahead of the British singer-songwriter, who descends slightly to tenth place.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
Avoid morning hours when flowers are damp with dew and late evening when dew descends on the garden.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
That is the moment that everything crumbles for Rachel.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
-
Loyalty, betrayal, illness and war all bear down on the group as the old order crumbles around them.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And don't pulverize clay into dust—this worsens soil compaction.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
-
This worsens the inflammatory response to the initial infection, according to Fleming, who was not involved in the study.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Kojima Productions declines to share more information on Kier's involvement, though filming has now properly begun with the actors on OD.—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
-
Democratic voters are more likely to vote by mail than Republicans so stand to benefit in future elections if the Supreme Court declines to get involved.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devolves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolves. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
