devolution

noun

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce devolution (audio)
Definition of devolutionnext
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

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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 devolution He is expected to announce a raft of policy changes, from devolution from London to an overhaul of the Treasury. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 20 July 2026 Burnham argues Greater Manchester, which has been granted more power in the last decade and achieved greater growth, is a case study in how devolution can work. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 Burnham presented his vision for a paradigm shift in British politics with devolution at the center of his plans for economic growth, public housing reform, industrial policy, and education. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 29 June 2026 The dam breaks, and Regina splits into laughter at Jobim’s deadpan devolution into nonsense. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. declination
  5. descent
Noun
  • Apoorvanand says that stance reflects a broader deterioration of democratic norms over the past decade.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
  • The character's physical and spiritual deterioration is part of what drew Nam in.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Such validation prevents knowledge base degradation affecting future business decisions.
    — Ipsita Mohanty, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Water quality and degradation of lawns or golf courses are also common.
    — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • The reef system has faced significant decline for decades due to rising water temperatures, disease and pollution.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • But the decline in cases has been reversed, and experts blame toxic silica dust that is now more common in mines.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of declination
Noun
  • In 2013, three Iranian climbers died on descent after summiting Broad Peak.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • This could easily have triggered a descent back into full-scale conflict.
    — Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of descent

Browse Nearby Words

devoirs
devolution
devolutions
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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