devolution

noun

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

Synonyms of devolution

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Examples of devolution in a Sentence

the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum
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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.
That was a time of devolution in the UK, with the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd green-lit in 1997, and Northern Ireland’s Assembly a year later. — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026 This idea of devolution is Andy Burnham’s way of trying to restore people’s faith in democracy. — Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Ambitious goals Alongside lofty promises of change, welfare reform and devolution of power, Burham announced his first policy intervention – to tackle homelessness. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Rather than dwelling on his Blairite roots, Burnham calls for the devolution of power away from London and points to his record as the mayor of Greater Manchester County from 2017 until last week. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolution

Word History

Etymology

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

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 6 Aug. 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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