1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to acquire
to come to have gradually
the youngster developed a taste for green olives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grow
to become mature
the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to expand
to express more fully and in greater detail
marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of develop
Ellis' team developed a Spike Lee room, a scavenger hunt of the two-time Oscar winner's iconic career.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Over the years, our Test Kitchen has developed many versions of these two-bite appetizers, but nothing can top these Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The character Batista was developed especially for him.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
This argument was later developed at great length by Nietzsche, one of several thinkers in this tradition who inspired the rise of fascism.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Over the years, our Test Kitchen has developed many versions of these two-bite appetizers, but nothing can top these Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The character Batista was developed especially for him.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
This argument was later developed at great length by Nietzsche, one of several thinkers in this tradition who inspired the rise of fascism.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for develop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop
Verb
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Beyond thermal resilience, the technology is expected to advance as materials and cell designs continue to evolve.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The mood around EVs can be attributed to many factors, such as the loss of federal tax credits in 2025; the end of emissions waivers and revenues from carbon credits; and diminished aftermarket values as consumers fear battery degradation and anticipate quickly evolving technologies.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wasserman acquired its music operations in 2021 when Paradigm talent agency went through a fire sale process.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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After acquiring veteran pitcher Mitch Spence from the Athletics on Thursday, the Royals stayed busy Friday by signing lefty pitcher John Means to a minor-league deal.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, the bloom of illicit pot grows on private land has been demanding California’s attention, a growing problem since voters legalized cannabis in 2016.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For many schools, that means expanding technical education classes, building partnerships with local businesses, and getting creative with transporting teens — some just on the cusp of learning to drive — to part-time work.—
Carley Lanich,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
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Powered by rapid advances in embodied intelligence, China’s humanoid robots are advancing rapidly, expanding their potential roles in both industrial settings and home environments.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fiction is the amalgam that allows disparate elements to forge a whole.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
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But without a finished 10th novel to work from (Gabaldon is currently in progress on her final Outlander volume, called A Blessing for a Warrior Going Out), Roberts and team had to toe a fine line between honoring the essence of the book series and forging their own path forward.—
Amy Wilkinson,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At least 42 anti-ICE protesters were arrested Saturday after chaos unfolded outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, following a memorial for Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents last month.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
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Webbing from grand facades were narrow streets where cats sunned in doorways and artisans claimed corners for their craft, unfolding a space of inclusive second chances.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The actor, who also produced the film alongside Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas, has cultivated a solid relationship with Chinese moviegoers through previous releases.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
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Why Seedlings Need to Be Hardened Off Indoor seedlings are cultivated in a sheltered environment where they’re protected from harsh winds, bright sunlight, and cool spring breezes.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Hewitt said that confidence has grown as the season has progressed.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
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As the game progressed and a snowstorm descended on Denver in the fourth quarter, the field became obscured by a blanket of white.—
Jason Corso,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develop. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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