DEVOLVING Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

devolving

verb

present participle of devolve

as in deteriorating

to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum

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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 devolving The question is whether the system can scale rules without devolving into chaos. — Michael Goshka, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Unlike Starmer, Burnham has a clear narrative – devolving power away from London – running through his policies. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 The Sky still consider her day-to-day, but her absence reflects a growing tension between her needs as a veteran guard and the team’s rapidly devolving chances of competing this season. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 With both nights devolving into chaos, Brooks and the other guys decide to call it quits on this gender experiment and plan to infiltrate the girls’ night and merge groups. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026 The danger then isn’t Hollywood merging with video games, but both devolving into transactional markets that no longer endeavor to keep us entertained — merely subscribed. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 July 2026 Another year growing and evolving and sometimes devolving, with you. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 June 2026 Your city is devolving into a lawless hell hole. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 Advertisement In 2024, Burnham co-authored a book alongside Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, arguing that inequality is best addressed by devolving more power to local governments that better understand the needs of their communities. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolving

Verb

According to court documents, Wilson’s relationship with the producers had started deteriorating before filming began in 2023 – and worsened during post-production.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The unusual decision cites a deteriorating consumer environment, FullBeauty's debt, and substantial shareholder dilution.

— Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of deteriorating

Verb

Similar tools can be applied to descending — particularly on a technical descent like Tuesday’s.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Co-directed by Alexandra Orton, the film combines Maddox’s personal video diaries, therapy sessions, and exclusive interviews while descending into Manson’s early background and sensationalized media persona as a monster.

— Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 July 2026

Definition of descending

Verb

They’re meant to be neat, self-contained, and easy to manage without dripping, crumbling, or requiring a balancing act at a cocktail table.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Manchester, meanwhile, faced enormous challenges in its comeback, from high levels of poverty and unemployment to poor education and crumbling infrastructure.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Definition of crumbling

Verb

However, declining vaccination rates fueled by vaccine hesitancy have created pockets of susceptible individuals where the virus can spread quickly.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Idaho’s divorce rate has been steadily declining for nearly half a century, and since 2020, has been below the low-water mark set in 1956, according to data collected since 1950.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026

Definition of declining

Verb

But, in the background, cost of living woes were worsening for others, and the wealth gap was widening.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
The complaint alleges that over the following nine days, an increasingly frail Willis faced a systematic failure to respond to a visible and worsening crisis.

— Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of worsening

Verb

Staffs are diminishing as layoffs in the industry remain rampant, as was seen in the ESPN firings this week, and reporters are being tasked with juggling several responsibilities at once.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
At 28 years old, clubs will also factor in his diminishing resale value.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of diminishing

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devolves

devolving

devote

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“Devolving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolving. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolving

verb

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