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 Burnham presented his vision for a paradigm shift in British politics with devolution at the center of his plans for economic growth, public housing reform, industrial policy, and education. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 29 June 2026 Out next month, Star follows the rise of two fictional musical acts—a pop star, Ashley, and Siren8, a teen idol group—and the gradual devolution of fan admiration into obsession, and eventually, violence. — Jenny Tinghui Zhang, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026 Several factors beyond the democratization of the presidential nominating process have driven the devolution of the Democratic and Republican parties. — David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026 Jabra has been at the forefront of the OTC hearing aid market since the beginning, aided by a ruthless devolution to continuously refining its audio processing chips and employing always-available audiologists who can tune the devices remotely. — Christopher Null, Wired News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. declination
  5. descent
Noun
  • But nothing competes with the painful deterioration of her sight after contracting scarlet fever.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
  • In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Electric-vehicle owners and operators face concerns that repeated charging and discharging of a battery could accelerate battery degradation, and that use of V2G could void a battery warranty.
    — Lisa Baertlein, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • This unwanted movement, known as the polysulfide shuttle effect, causes active material loss, side reactions, self-discharge, and rapid capacity degradation.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of declination
Noun
  • His mother was of European descent and his father was a Cantonese opera star who was on tour in the city, affording his son birthright citizenship.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Stokesbury said the climber's descent was a long slide down the steep snow slope rather than a straight free fall, with the terrain gradually becoming less steep farther down the mountain.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of descent

Browse Nearby Words

devoirs
devolution
devolutions
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Cite this Entry

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

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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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