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.
After all, points can be devalued or subject to general inflation, according to CNBC Select senior reporter Jason Stauffer, so using them regularly is a good idea. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 One reason Arendt’s letters with women are less available is simply that letters among women have long been devalued in philosophy. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 The Pyles believe the office building devalues their property, which was appraised this year at just under $500,000, according to Tarrant Appraisal District records. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 Despite being more prevalent now than ever, Chinese cuisine is still at times stereotyped or devalued. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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
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