DEVELOP Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

develop

verb

di-ˈve-ləp

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to acquire

to come to have gradually the youngster developed a taste for green olives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grow

to become mature the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to expand

to express more fully and in greater detail marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to forge

to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort outside consultants helped the company develop an effective marketing strategy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not develop symptoms, but those who do may experience a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash, according to the IDOH. —

Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 According to Kahn, the editorial was published with a disclaimer, added by ADA leadership, insisting that the ADA had nothing to do with developing or writing the article. —

Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026 The new partnership will use Ames Lab’s automation and artificial intelligence capabilities to develop a more efficient way to separate and extract gallium from existing industrial processes. —

Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026 Flash flooding could occur where the heaviest rain develops. —

Daniel Peck, ABC News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for develop

Recent Examples of Synonyms for develop

Verb

With a particular emphasis on Europe and China, this quickly evolved into the idea of a creative residency to support Chinese design talent through the Kering ecosystem.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 4 June 2026
Demie worked closely with the show’s makeup and wardrobe stylists to craft Maddy’s look, helping the character evolve from someone obsessed with being the perfect girlfriend in the first half of Season 1, to a bolder, hyper-feminine rejection of the softness her boyfriend had expected of her.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026