evolution

noun

ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce evolution (audio)
Definition of evolutionnext
as in progress
the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the evolution of motion pictures from short, silent reels into a medium of mass entertainment and an art form

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 evolution Traylor’s evolution reflects a larger shift among coaches outside college football’s wealthiest conferences. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider, marking the latest chapter in a career evolution that the actor has linked directly to fatherhood. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 The evolution of homicidal doll Chucky has been a real trip since his debut in 1988, and 1998's Bride of Chucky marked an inflection point toward gonzo surreality under the direction of Hong Kong action-horror master Ronny Yu. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026 Now, halfway through the TikTok decade, another evolution is taking place, one on an ever-nicheifying, hypercompetitive internet devoid of any real monoculture and obscured by fake or bought metrics. — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evolution
  1. progress
  2. development
  3. progression
  4. expansion
  5. growth
Noun
  • Officials said there could be progress on implementation in the next month or two.
    — Emma Nicholson, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Hyuk-Woon Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to France, added that while fusion energy development requires long-term patience and multi-generational cooperation, the installation milestone demonstrates steady progress.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Definition of progress
Noun
  • The development will also include a nine-story tower with a four story garage, and four stories of office space, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Preservationists, meanwhile, worried about the impact of taller new development on Washington Avenue’s historic scale, typically running to one or two stories in most places.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of development
Noun
  • Ultimately, the person opted to include the photo – something Lenain sees as a progression toward embracing their full self.
    — Michael-Oliver Harding, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • In my experience, the technologies that transform industries are those that adapt to existing habits, workflows and needs, making adoption feel less like a disruption and more like a natural progression.
    — Omar Hafez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of progression
Noun
  • The final day of the month sees Jupiter (the planet of good luck and expansion) in Leo making a harmonious trine to Saturn (the planet of discipline and structure) in Aries.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Billionaires buying up South Florida real estate, corporate expansions and a widening gulf between luxury and everyday home prices are changing Miami-Dade’s economic landscape.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of expansion
Noun
  • Plants and animals keenly sense the diminishing light, which acts as a master biological clock that triggers changes such as migration, shifting hormone levels and winter coat growth.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Let yourself be led with heart by doing things that are healthy, mature, and growth-oriented and let go of thinking that being ready is a feeling.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of growth

Browse Nearby Words

evoking
evolution
evolutions
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Cite this Entry

“Evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evolution. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on evolution

Nglish: Translation of evolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about evolution

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