DEVELOPMENTAL Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

developmental

adjective

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl

Definition of developmental

as in experimental

made or done as an experiment developmental weaponry that is classified as top secret by the Pentagon

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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.

Recent Examples of developmental These are not just developmental challenges, but life challenges as roles shift. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 These early aircraft will primarily support developmental testing rather than combat operations. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 If Minnesota doesn’t want to promote Eliska Hamzova from her developmental contract (which is the easiest option), the biggest salary the Lynx can reasonably trade is Coffey. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Research has consistently shown that social deprivation and isolation during critical developmental periods are associated with harm to cognitive development and language acquisition. — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for developmental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for developmental

Adjective

Bardstown Bourbon Company, which is well known for indulging its experimental impulses, decided to blend together bourbon and rye and finish it in pineapple rum barrels with pieces of pineapple added to the whiskey for good measure.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
The panel, several of whom are sellers of experimental peptides, dismissed the views of the agency’s staff, voting in favor of allowing compounding production of comparatively unregulated peptide treatments.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of experimental

Adjective

There is now a permanent investigative squad on the case, along with a new special agent in charge.

— Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Released after Kohberger pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2025, the series incorporates newly public investigative records, police interviews, courtroom testimony, and evidence that wasn’t available when previous projects were made.

— Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Definition of investigative

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development

developmental

developments

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“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/developmental. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of developmental

adjective

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