devolution

noun

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce devolution (audio)
Definition of devolutionnext
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

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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 devolution Maybe the game won't sync across platforms, and the impedance of having to start all over will be enough to prevent notable devolution. — Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024 Stan shows us that devolution with a careful precision, forgoing imitation for a true embodiment. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024 Devo, who celebrated 50 years of devolution last year, will play the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 24. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024 The royal couple made the trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament's devolution from the U.K. government. — Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. declination
  5. descent
Noun
  • Roads and bridges are designed with strict weight limits for a reason: excessive loads accelerate structural deterioration, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards.
    — Ydanis Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to this, using excessive water or harsh chemical cleaners can then lead to moisture accumulation around window seals, which can potentially cause mould growth or deterioration of the frame around the windows.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Overly broad agent objectives introduce performance degradation, making debugging and optimization significantly more challenging.
    — Rick Kelly, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Where everything seems more and more about degradation.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • In Florida, nearly all 67 counties saw a decline in childhood immunizations among kindergartners since COVID came in 2020, state data shows.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
  • In the late nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire, fearing decline, pursued modernizing reforms.
    — Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of decline
Noun
  • In contrast, during 2016-16 the lunar declination varied from only 18.5 degrees north to 18.5 degrees south.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Red and declinations to rust and burgundy at Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta.
    — WWD, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Definition of declination
Noun
  • The rare proximity to Kanye—who was just beginning his descent from the summit of pop culture—was covered by every outlet imaginable, including this one.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Phillis Wheatley, who wrote Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was the first American of African descent and the third colonial American woman to have her work published.
    — Zaneilia Harris, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of descent

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“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolution. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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