Synonyms of devolves

devolves

verb

present tense third-person singular of devolve

as in deteriorates

to become worse or of less value

the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deteriorates
• descends
• crumbles
• worsens
• declines
• diminishes
• degenerates
• regresses
• atrophies
• decays
• rots
• ebbs
• sinks
• weakens
• disintegrates
• retrogrades
• falls
• goes to seed
• decomposes
• wanes
• goes to pot
• recedes
• dwindles
• degrades
• sags
• reduces
• downsizes
• sours
• slips
• abates
• corrupts
• undermines
• putrefies
• lessens
• debilitates
• fails
• languishes
• spoils
• de-escalates
• droops
• lags
• dilapidates
• lowers
• wilts
• breaks down
• runs down
• molders
• wastes (away)
• flags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improves
• ameliorates
• intensifies
• enhances
• develops
• progresses
• enriches
• heightens
• strengthens
• proceeds
• upgrades
• meliorates
• fortifies
• advances
• betters
• marches

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of devolves

Soon enough, Karl’s seemingly foolproof blackmail scheme devolves into a merciless, dog-eat-dog fight for survival, and the two men are locked in a cutthroat collision course, their fates now inextricably linked. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

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

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