as in deteriorates
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
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Recent Examples of devolves
When he’s done, the atmosphere inside the White House quickly devolves.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 25 Feb. 2025
Without laws, a country devolves into anarchy and lawlessness.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
Sometimes, the visit even devolves into an impromptu musical performance, like when.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2025
Despite great chemistry between stars Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, and Vincent D'Onofrio, The Newton Boys is a crime film without much tension that devolves into a hangout picture without the humor or wit of his better, well, hangout pictures.
—Brian Smolensky and James Mercadante, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, even if the deceased has brothers.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Barker played against type to star as a golf partner with Gilmore, a star-crossed pairing that devolves into an on-course fistfight in the comedy.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
Dinner with the Parents, from CBS Studios and Big Talk, centered on a weekly family get-together that always devolves into chaos.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Until, of course, everything devolves by way of Eddie and Niles dressed as Santa Claus and Jesus, respectively.
—Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 25 Feb. 2025
Without laws, a country devolves into anarchy and lawlessness.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
Sometimes, the visit even devolves into an impromptu musical performance, like when.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2025
Despite great chemistry between stars Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, and Vincent D'Onofrio, The Newton Boys is a crime film without much tension that devolves into a hangout picture without the humor or wit of his better, well, hangout pictures.
—Brian Smolensky and James Mercadante, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, even if the deceased has brothers.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Barker played against type to star as a golf partner with Gilmore, a star-crossed pairing that devolves into an on-course fistfight in the comedy.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
Dinner with the Parents, from CBS Studios and Big Talk, centered on a weekly family get-together that always devolves into chaos.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Until, of course, everything devolves by way of Eddie and Niles dressed as Santa Claus and Jesus, respectively.
—Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Devolves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolves. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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