as in deteriorated
to become worse or of less value
the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum
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Recent Examples of devolved
And what began as a stark satire of greed, exploitation, and economic polarization has largely devolved into a cash-cow franchise like any other.
—
Judy Berman, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
Initially, Moscow’s invasion of its Western neighbor seemed distant and irrelevant to Pyongyang, but as the conflict devolved into a prolonged war of attrition, with trench warfare reminiscent of World War I, artillery and manpower became crucial.
—Andrei Lankov, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024
Since the board violated the principle of one person, one vote, with populous Brooklyn having the same weight as much smaller Staten Island, it was abolished and its powers devolved to the Council.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
Tensions are running high — a recent homeowners association meeting devolved into shouting and the police had to be called to calm things down.
—Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024
At one point, the hearing devolved into a shouting match between Rowe and a Republican congressman.
—Rebecca Santana, Sun Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
The standoff devolved into a bloody civil war that split the nation on political, ethnic and religious lines.
—Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024
Some extra physicality after the play resulted in a brief stoppage to gain control of the game, which momentarily devolved into a melee between the teams.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
The role of tastemaker has, alas, devolved into influencer, where the main qualification isn’t aesthetic judgment but the size of one’s social media following.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Judy Berman, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
Initially, Moscow’s invasion of its Western neighbor seemed distant and irrelevant to Pyongyang, but as the conflict devolved into a prolonged war of attrition, with trench warfare reminiscent of World War I, artillery and manpower became crucial.
—Andrei Lankov, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024
Since the board violated the principle of one person, one vote, with populous Brooklyn having the same weight as much smaller Staten Island, it was abolished and its powers devolved to the Council.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
Tensions are running high — a recent homeowners association meeting devolved into shouting and the police had to be called to calm things down.
—Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024
At one point, the hearing devolved into a shouting match between Rowe and a Republican congressman.
—Rebecca Santana, Sun Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
The standoff devolved into a bloody civil war that split the nation on political, ethnic and religious lines.
—Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024
Some extra physicality after the play resulted in a brief stoppage to gain control of the game, which momentarily devolved into a melee between the teams.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
The role of tastemaker has, alas, devolved into influencer, where the main qualification isn’t aesthetic judgment but the size of one’s social media following.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolved
Verb
-
The inside story of how this relationship deteriorated is worth a read.—
Chris Branch,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The increase in tests came as relations with the United States and its regional allies deteriorated and Pyongyang pulled closer to Russia.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
As tens of thousands of visitors from around the world descended on Miami for the city’s annual art celebration, a lucky few were invited to an immersive experience that blended contemporary art with fashion, mixology, and luxury travel.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Last month, the Snow Ball descended upon New York City to host a dinner at Cocos at Colette to get the snowball rolling ahead of the gala.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The rest of the batting order crumbled as sure as night follows day.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
But Indianapolis’ defense crumbled on the ensuing drive, allowing Lock to lead a nine-play, 70-yard TD drive capped by his 5-yard scramble into the end zone.—
James Boyd,
The Athletic,
29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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However, wider market fundamentals have not materially altered and have somewhat worsened.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Early in his treatment, tests showed the chemo had worsened Olson’s anemia.—
J. David McSwane,
ProPublica,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Recession fears have diminished, inflation is trending back toward 2 percent, and the labor market has rebalanced, but remains strong.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
-
The theme of running recurred, as did moments of isolation, with Abraham appearing preoccupied and diminished, unable to fully participate as the others moved around him.—
Jennifer Homans,
The New Yorker,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Devolved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devolved. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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