developmental

adjective

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
Definition of developmentalnext
as in experimental
made or done as an experiment developmental weaponry that is classified as top secret by the Pentagon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 developmental The family helplessly searched for the 20-year-old, who struggled with developmental delays and whose speech was at times difficult to understand. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 The procession is put on by Passion Works, a local art studio run by people with and without developmental differences. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 Amid Heat developmental seasons, greater patience tends to be in place. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Could recreational or developmental programs provide a pathway toward competitive teams? — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for developmental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for developmental
  1. experimental
  2. investigative
Adjective
  • On Uncle, fish narc sheds his past experimental impulses and finds a new identity within ebullient, feel-good college rock.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Spanish scientists have developed an experimental type of self-disinfecting cotton fabric, which is activated via ordinary white light.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • The Bend Police Department remains the lead investigative agency, Schmidt said.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Further investigative projects are being developed around exclusive access to compelling real-life stories.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigative

Browse Nearby Words

development
developmental
developments
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Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/developmental. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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