devalue

verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing; devalues
Synonyms of devaluenext

transitive verb

1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of

intransitive verb

: to institute devaluation

Synonyms of devalue

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Examples of devalue in a Sentence

The government has decided to devalue its currency. Economic woes forced the government to devalue. He argues that placing too many requirements on schools devalues the education they provide.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The American Association of University Professors states such programs devalue education. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Such labor is so often gendered and raced—and accordingly, devalued. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026 The complaint alleges Penske and Boehly secretly engineered the 2022 boycott of the Globes to devalue the organization, then used it as pretext to acquire the awards show and its charitable assets. — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 My disillusionment comes in the aftermath of being part of various African diasporic communities that have been devastated, devalued, and sickened by capitalism. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devalue

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of devalue was in 1918

Rhymes for devalue

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Browse Nearby Words

devaluation
devalue
Devanagari
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Cite this Entry

“Devalue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devalue. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

devalue

transitive verb
de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing
1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of
devaluing assets

More from Merriam-Webster on devalue

Nglish: Translation of devalue for Spanish Speakers

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