as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 devolve
Ron Artest fights Detroit Pistons fans in incident dubbed 'Malice at the Palace'
A 2004 game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers devolved into one of the ugliest moments in NBA history when a player started attacking fans.
—
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025
Occasionally, Terfel would let madness seep out, flashing wide, white eyes or devolving into animalistic gestures.
—Joshua Barone, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Another year growing and evolving and sometimes devolving, with you.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 1 Feb. 2025
These are arrangements that devolve power and responsibility back to local rule.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
-
Conditions are deteriorating in a network of Syrian prisons holding terrorists of the Islamic State.—
-
Forecasters warned that conditions could deteriorate quickly with little warning and suggested people park away from trees, charge electronics and be prepared to evacuate quickly if needed.—
Verb
-
Arctic air from Canada has descended on the Central and Eastern U.S., delivering record-breaking cold.—
-
The festivities continued well past midnight, with the newlyweds and their guests descending the mountain in jeeps under the stars.—
Verb
-
The show from Sister and Universal International Studios is set in a near-future Margate, against a backdrop of soaring inequality, as Chance discovers life and love while being forced to fight for her family and friends’ survival in a world that’s crumbling around her.—
-
Typically under him, Newcastle are not a team that crumbles after conceding.—
Verb
-
Many are barely able to pay their staff livable wages, causing rampant turnover and a scarcity of educators, further worsening educational outcomes.—
-
According to the Financial Health Network’s Financial Health Pulse 2024 report, 70% of American households remain financially unhealthy with day-to-day financial realities worsening for many.—
Verb
-
The average home price in the six-county region declined 0.4% from December to $862,115 in January, according to Zillow, marking the sixth consecutive month of declines.—
-
Another recent poll shows declining confidence, specifically in Republican individuals, in health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.—
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share