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
Examples 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
Everything soon devolves into a flurry of static-y images straight outta Stan Brakhage’s back catalog.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Her character, however, never devolves into a caricature.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
But, as one of the panel’s members recalled, the first session quickly devolved into an argument between Trump and several participants over his false allegation that China was manipulating its currency.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024
Chief among them: steep grade changes, a lack of accessibility, invasive bamboo, and a grass lawn that easily devolved into a mud field.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devolve 
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Her character, however, never devolves into a caricature.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
But, as one of the panel’s members recalled, the first session quickly devolved into an argument between Trump and several participants over his false allegation that China was manipulating its currency.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024
Chief among them: steep grade changes, a lack of accessibility, invasive bamboo, and a grass lawn that easily devolved into a mud field.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
-
After all, fast-changing technology has been one of the drivers of deteriorating trust.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
-
But the recommendations were not followed, and the property continued to deteriorate.Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Soon, the full blue-black shades of night descended.Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
-
And after the chaos Washington descended into following the 2020 election, analysts might be prudent to assume Trump wouldn’t take another loss without an intense battle.Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
With the help of mystical disciples, Joan hijacks a charity event and takes three hostages: a crumbling movie star, played by Evans; wealthy elite Bracken, played by Vincent Cassel (Black Swan); and a woman named Katie, played by Ambika Mod (One Day).Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Nudge theory With the problem of crumbling and overcrowded prisons growing, judges may be given the powers to hand down sentences that force offenders to stay at home, while being monitored by electronic tags.Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
By Karina Tsui | CNN Powerful winds that fueled fast-moving wildfires across Southern California this week are expected to pick up momentum on Thursday –– worsening conditions for firefighters who are already battling limited visibility to save lives.CNN.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
-
The nurse tells her to stop wasting her time and go to an actual physician before her symptoms worsen or other ailments occur from overcompensating.Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
County officials declined to comment on the reason for her absence, and said other staff is filling in.Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
-
The share of voters who are white has declined from 90% in 1976 to 67% in 2020, per exit polls.Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near devolve
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share