DEVELOP Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

develop

verb

di-ˈve-ləp

as in to evolve

to gradually become clearer or more detailed as the story of the bombing developed, the scope of the tragedy became more apparent

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Relevance

as in to acquire

to come to have gradually the youngster developed a taste for green olives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grow

to become mature the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels

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as in to expand

to express more fully and in greater detail marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign

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as in to forge

to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort outside consultants helped the company develop an effective marketing strategy

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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 develop In rare cases of very low sodium intake or excessive fluid loss, people can develop hyponatremia, Young explains, a condition in which sodium levels in the blood become dangerously diluted. —

Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 May 2026 Chevillard, who worked as an animator on Despicable Me 2, enjoyed developing eccentric characters that are not Minions-famous, at least not yet. —

Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 The Lightning have had to be creative in developing their next wave of NHL players. —

Eduardo Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026 The company is also developing low-sugar and zero-sugar variants to cater to consumers who are conscious of their sugar intake. —

Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for develop

Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop

Verb

According to the sheriff, multiple laboratories across the country — including federal and state partners — are collaborating behind the scenes as technology continues to evolve.

— Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The update reflects the state’s evolving understanding of its most dangerous pollutants, which has shifted over the decades from visible pollutants, such as smog, to more invisible ones that cause cancer, heart disease and other health harms.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026