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

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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 But when their boat breaks down, the trip devolves into a waking nightmare. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolves
  1. deteriorates
  2. descends
  3. crumbles
  4. worsens
  5. declines
Verb
  • Viewers may scan a QR code for their own copy of the audio track, which deteriorates in sound quality with every download.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • When Ross was 14, he was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that, among other things, deteriorates the white matter in the brain.
    — Michael Spencer, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of deteriorates
Verb
  • As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.
    — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Opening night 2027-28 Winnipeg can compete for the playoffs in 2027-28 if Björck ascends before Scheifele descends.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of descends
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
Definition of crumbles
Verb
  • Those with lupus need to avoid the sun, while some with psoriasis get relief from it; storms can trigger migraines and joint pain; hot weather worsens postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
    — Lorraine Boissoneault, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026
  • When the outlook for a company’s fundamentals worsens, investors often respond by trading the stock down.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of worsens
Verb
  • Fraud alerts, transaction declines, connectivity issues, or differences in merchant systems can create interruptions at inconvenient moments.
    — TD Bank, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Other studies show that academic outcomes fall when funding declines.
    — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of declines

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Cite this Entry

“Devolves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolves. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolves

Nglish: Translation of devolves for Spanish Speakers

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