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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for devolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devolution
  1. deterioration
  2. degradation
  3. decline
  4. declination
  5. descent
Noun
  • The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk.
    — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • The species’ coastal habitats, such as mangroves and reefs, have also suffered loss and degradation due to urban development and climate change.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There is no warping, no heat distortion and no structural degradation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of degradation
Noun
  • That rapid decline makes the question of how coach Dan Campbell and the team rebound one of the most interesting in the entire league.
    — NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The local enrollment declines are mostly concentrated in local districts’ elementary schools.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 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
  • The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors have charged about 80 people in the broader case, the vast majority of whom are of Somali descent.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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