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.
France devalued its currency in 1927, the United Kingdom abandoned the gold standard in 1931, and the same year Germany imposed import restrictions and rationed access to foreign currency. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 Texas joins national push for accelerated programs, even as some critics warn the trend could devalue diplomas. — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026 The American Association of University Professors, for one, says the programs devalue the meaning of a college credential. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Creative labor certainly seems to be disappearing as studios experiment with generative AI, and artists and craftspeople are rightly afraid of being further mistreated, devalued, or replaced. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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