1
as in unfolds
to gradually become clearer or more detailed
as the story of the bombing developed, the scope of the tragedy became more apparent
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Relevance
2
as in acquires
to come to have gradually
the youngster developed a taste for green olives
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in grows
to become mature
the wine is developing nicely in the new oak barrels
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4
as in expands
to express more fully and in greater detail
marketing people developed the initial idea into a complete promotional campaign
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5
as in forges
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
outside consultants helped the company develop an effective marketing strategy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of develops
Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions and others to ensure Iowa develops a skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector.
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Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judiciary that develops sentencing policies and guidelines for federal courts based on those laws.
—Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Snow develops late Wednesday night across the Western Slope and the Continental Divide.
—Joe Ruch, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
During fermentation, sourdough develops organic acids, such as lactic and acetic, that help slow the rate at which starch is broken down and absorbed.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Her newest is about the unlikely friendship that develops between a rescue dog and an orphaned cheetah who are paired together by a zoo.
—Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Villanelle develops her own fascination with Eve, leading to a unique cat-and-mouse game.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Crusoe develops a legal system, builds a Conservatory of Weights and Measures, and falls in love with a cave.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2025
Sulfur prevents fungal spores from germinating and must be applied as a preventive measure before the disease develops for effective results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for develops
Verb
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The outfit is featured in the scene where Cher gets mugged alone in Los Angeles at night, with the character name-dropping the designer as the incident unfolds.—
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Created and written by Delaporte, de La Patellière and Sylvain Caron, the six-part series unfolds after an elusive killer disappears in the wake of a string of murders.—
Verb
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Friddle is hoping another craft brewery acquires the location.—
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What Oklahoma State acquires on the line of scrimmage will be most critical.—
Verb
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With each game confidence grows and signs of real potential can be seen like the sun rising in the morning.—
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If more than one seedling grows to a cell or container, one should be removed and transplanted.—
Verb
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The discussion comes as driverless robotaxi testing and deployment expands rapidly nationwide, with Austin as a major launching pad.—
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Cotie McMahon expands her range As her former program finds its footing without her, Cotie McMahon is showing a different part of her game than existed at Ohio State.—
Verb
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Thad Cisneros is the chief of the Proud Boys’ Salt Lake City chapter who forges an unusual alliance with a Black Lives Matter activist.—
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Rain won't stop proceedings as the Tournament of Roses forges ahead with the New Year's Day tradition Thursday — its first wet parade in two decades.—
Verb
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Advocates push for broader action As the situation evolves, advocacy groups and relatives continue pressing for wider releases and clear timelines, hoping the diplomatic moment leads to freedom for hundreds still detained.—
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Members of the program will see this new palette reflected in the Kith app, as Molecule evolves into Paragon, Elevation into Quartz, and Vitality into Voyage.—
Verb
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The psychological thriller, penned by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning writer Tracy Letts (Coon's real life husband), cultivates fear slowly.—
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This approach cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and trust, ultimately strengthening the team.—
Verb
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As the film progresses, Grace slowly falls deeper into depression and isolation.—
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These machines can excavate the ground while supporting the ground above as the tunnel progresses.—
Cite this Entry
“Develops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/develops. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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