Definition of developnext
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

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2
3
4
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

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 Hearing loss develops gradually, so there’s rarely a clear moment that signals something’s wrong. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 While its use has been limited to date, Ukraine has demonstrated an ability to rapidly develop and field new technologies. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The two-year program provides hands-on training and in-person coaching to develop the skills needed to help customers shopping for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2026 Isolated showers and storms develop around lunchtime for Broward and Miami-Dade and will continue to grow more widespread heading into the late afternoon and early evening hours. Shane Hinton, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for develop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop
Verb
  • Thematically, Maciek said, the costumes’ evolving colors tell their own story throughout the show.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Workforce needs, customer expectations, and business conditions evolve, and leaders have to be willing to adjust if the model stops delivering results.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Harry's decision comes amid ongoing discussions with the royal family to acquire an appropriate level of security for his family, including Meghan Markle and their two children, Princess Lilibet, 5, and Prince Archie, 7.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • The new rate does not cover the cost of acquiring or performing treatment in most cases.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • The utility attributed the higher costs to broader market dynamics, including more expensive wholesale electricity and growing demand from large users such as manufacturers and data centers across PJM’s 13-state grid.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The spectacle gave rise to self-starters like Ai who sought to cash in on the growing hype.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The future vision is to forge partnerships with OEMs, expand internationally, leverage the EV base to build a 2nd-life EV business and expand into V2G services.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • As American wine continues to evolve, the story is less about competing with Europe than about forging a distinctly American identity.
    Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Cloud cover prevented a California Highway Patrol helicopter from reaching the injured climber directly, forcing the rescue to unfold in stages.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Hours later, as the bodies of the children were being handed over to their families, scenes of anguish unfolded outside hospitals and in the neighborhood on the outskirts of Lahore where the private tutoring center was located in a house.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • But the star has cultivated a loyal collective of her favorite brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Area (recall her famous Super Bowl jeans).
    Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The one-person filmmaker averages 3 million views per episode and has cultivated a YouTube audience of 500,000.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • As the evening progressed, however, the noise died down, and the makeshift set at the base of the Statue of Liberty sprung into action, securing a performance without distractions.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
  • Lack of magnesium can cause older leaves to yellow and progress to younger leaves, as well as interveinal chlorosis.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develop. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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