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 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 At a time when American politics was devolving from statesmanship to showmanship and the tone of discourse was becoming cruel, former Governor Larry Hogan set an example of calm and thoughtful leadership. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2026 These flashes of melancholy or yearning give the record complexity and depth, as well as stopping it from devolving into wackiness. — Alastair Shuttleworth, Pitchfork, 2 May 2026 And situations like that are becoming the norm in the NBA playoffs – which are quickly evolving into a war of attrition … or, perhaps devolving is a better word. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolving

Verb

Loose-leaf tea also utilizes larger grounds and leaf particles, which prevent the tea from deteriorating as quickly as similar bagged options.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
But Pavarini says the road remains in deteriorating condition despite the HOA signing a roughly $406,000 construction contract.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Definition of deteriorating

Verb

An islandwide blackout plunged Cuba’s nearly 10 million residents into darkness Monday, exposing a crumbling power grid and dwindling fuel reserves as officials raced to restore electricity.

— Milexsy Durán, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Of course, Microsoft’s browser dominance was crumbling by the time the EU managed to get that implemented.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026

Definition of crumbling

Verb

There has been a lot of hand-wringing about the declining population of Los Angeles County, which lost 54,000 people from July 2024 to July 2025, the biggest numeric population drop in the nation during that period, by far.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
For years now, Olathe Schools has talked about its problem of declining enrollment.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of declining

Verb

Russia's economic situation Long queues have been seen at Russian petrol stations as the country grapples with a worsening fuel crisis.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 July 2026
The result is regional governments left with fewer resources to adapt to the worsening climate crisis, including efforts to combat water scarcity.

— Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of worsening

Verb

Expensive eye creams have long been considered the gold standard for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 9 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of devolving

verb

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