devolution

1 of 2

noun (1)

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce devolution (audio)
also ˌdē-və-
Synonyms of devolutionnext
1
: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2
: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration
devolutionary
ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce devolution (audio)
also ˌdē-və-
adjective
devolutionist
ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce devolution (audio)
also ˌdē-və-
noun

devolutionist

2 of 2

noun (2)

dev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ist -sh(ə)nə̇st How to pronounce devolutionist (audio)
plural -s
: an advocate or practicer of devolution especially in government : a person favoring a high degree of autonomy in local government

Synonyms of devolution

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Noun (1)

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Examples of devolution in a Sentence

Noun (1) the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum
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Noun
The devolution of the traditional life style coincided with a surge in social problems. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Burnham argues Greater Manchester, which has been granted more power in the last decade and achieved greater growth, is a case study in how devolution can work. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 The dam breaks, and Regina splits into laughter at Jobim’s deadpan devolution into nonsense. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026 It certainly isn’t made better when her friends start grilling him about his participation in the devolution of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devolution

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

borrowed from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn-, dēvolūtiō "passage of time, passing down of a task, transference of legal proceedings," from Latin dēvolū-, variant stem of dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject to, be passed down to (an heir)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at devolve

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of devolution was in the 15th century

Rhymes for devolution

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Browse Nearby Words

devolute
devolution
devolutionist
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Cite this Entry

“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devolution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

devolution

noun
de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē- How to pronounce devolution (audio)
: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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