as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devolve
The Cubs’ recent offensive inconsistency has placed some significant focus on Hoerner’s performance this season, which started off strong but has devolved into a concerning slump.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Another year growing and evolving and sometimes devolving, with you.
—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
The scene swiftly devolves into a cat-and-mouse chase between Ghostface and poor Casey.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
While the new role and the bigger unit would seemingly address that need, the discussion quickly devolved into a power struggle, with several participants arguing loudly and others quietly checking out.
—
Harvard Business Review,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Another year growing and evolving and sometimes devolving, with you.
—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
The scene swiftly devolves into a cat-and-mouse chase between Ghostface and poor Casey.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
While the new role and the bigger unit would seemingly address that need, the discussion quickly devolved into a power struggle, with several participants arguing loudly and others quietly checking out.
—
Harvard Business Review,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for devolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolve
Verb
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England reached stumps on 103-4 after 15 overs, still needing 270 runs in its seemingly forlorn chase of 373 to win on a deteriorating pitch and heading for a first defeat in a home series of three or more tests since 2012.
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Intensifying wildfires across eastern Utah and western Colorado are sending thick smoke into portions of the state, creating hazy skies and deteriorating air quality for many mountain and western Colorado communities.
Verb
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Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.
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Around 1,000 attendees are expected to descend on Madison Square Garden over the next two days to celebrate the union of the music superstar and Super Bowl champion.
Verb
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Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
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Survivors say that doors to the facility were locked and that migrants were left to die inside crumbling walls.
Verb
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The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.
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People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.
Verb
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After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
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In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolve. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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