DEVOLVING Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

devolving

verb

Definition of devolving next

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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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 devolving 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 But instead of paving the way for some good ol’ fashioned infidelity, the liquid courage causes the women to turn on each other, with the evening devolving into inebriated insults and recriminations. —

Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 Keeping it fresh How has a band that’s been together for more than 50 years managed to remain a creative force without burning out, splitting up or devolving into little more than a human jukebox pumping out nostalgia? —

Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 The commission must reject devolving veto authority to cities. —

U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 Last year’s conflict with Israel laid bare weaknesses in Iran’s command structures under pressure, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly becoming increasingly hard to reach and authority devolving to provincial governors. —

Farida Elsebai, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 One of his chief concerns is that governments and regulators are struggling to keep pace with the technology’s rapid rollout, leaving the private sector locked in a race to the finish that risks devolving into the kind of perilous competition not seen since the height of the Cold War. —

Tristan Bove, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolving

Verb

Mohammadi’s family said her health had been deteriorating in prison, in part because she was heavily beaten during her arrest.

— Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
In recent years, the island’s deteriorating infrastructure has been a backdrop for violence, neglect, and death; a federal judge has deemed its conditions unconstitutional.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026