devolution
noun
de·vo·lu·tion
ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən 
also ˌdē-və-
1
: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
especially
: the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2
: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration
Synonyms
Examples of devolution in a Sentence
the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum
Recent Examples on the Web
Maybe the game won't sync across platforms, and the impedance of having to start all over will be enough to prevent notable devolution.
—
Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024
Stan shows us that devolution with a careful precision, forgoing imitation for a true embodiment.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024
Devo, who celebrated 50 years of devolution last year, will play the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 24.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024
The royal couple made the trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament's devolution from the U.K. government.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for devolution 
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Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024
Stan shows us that devolution with a careful precision, forgoing imitation for a true embodiment.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024
Devo, who celebrated 50 years of devolution last year, will play the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 24.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024
The royal couple made the trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament's devolution from the U.K. government.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for devolution
Dictionary Entries Near devolution
Cite this Entry
“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devolution. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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devolution
noun
de·vo·lu·tion
ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē-
: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
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