EVOLUTION Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

evolution

noun

ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən

Definition of evolution

as in progress

the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the evolution of motion pictures from short, silent reels into a medium of mass entertainment and an art form

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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 evolution The project features appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, Channel Tres, Fousheé, Ravyn Lenae, Baby Rose, Sumney, Amber Mark and others, reflecting both the creative relationships he’s built and his own artistic evolution. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 10 July 2026 This book was the first of Darwin’s works to apply his theory of evolution to the human species. — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026 Fast-forward to 2026, and the actress behind Lizzie—aka, Hilary Duff—has gone through several personal and professional evolutions in her lifetime. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026 Now live on Kickstarter, VX2 is positioned as a larger, more robust next-generation evolution of the earlier VX1. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evolution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for evolution

Noun

For those who want to track the blooms’ progress from afar, catch the Huntington’s online livestream.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
However, researchers are confident the technology will improve, and cite similar progress with robotic laparoscopic surgery.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 July 2026

Definition of progress

Noun

Wang said that Silicon Valley has lost some of its appetite for founders who build hardware products, shunning the longer development cycles and less return upside, compared with AI applications, as well as inevitable supply chain hurdles.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Research and development accounts for an average of just 4% of European countries’ defense budgets, compared to 10% for the United States – which reaps significant economic multiplier effects from that military spending.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of development

Noun

Delta One Lounge is coming to Atlanta In the latest expansion of Delta's presence at the Atlanta airport, a new Delta One Lounge will soon begin construction.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 July 2026
This caught the attention of the dairy industry, which is among the groups advocating for an expansion of the visas.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 10 July 2026

Definition of expansion

Noun

Volzke began her PhD on elephant seals in 2021, just as Neil was becoming widely known – so his growth, both in size and fame, feels like it’s tracked alongside her degree on his species.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The growth in digital participation has coincided with rising costs associated with attending many marquee sporting events.

— Rebecca Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of growth

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evoking

evolution

evolutions

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“Evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evolution. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of evolution

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