evolutionary

[ev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-ee, ee-vuh-] / ˌɛv əˈlu ʃəˌnɛr i, ˌi və- /

ADJECTIVE

pertaining to evolution or development

Synonyms

STRONGEST

developmental metamorphic mutative transformative

STRONG

changing growing progressive transmutative

WEAK

generative revolutionary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

extinct stagnant stunted

STRONG

dormant idle inert

WEAK

arrested frozen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"A similar evolutionary pattern has been documented in other animal groups," said Lerosey-Aubril.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

"This shows that evolutionary success is not only about biological innovation -- timing and environmental context matter."

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The research team constructed the first evolutionary tree for decapodiformes based on genome sequences from nearly all major lineages.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

"There will be an evolutionary path to building humanity's first permanent surface outpost beyond Earth, and we will take the world along with us."

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

In throwing it back, they set in motion an evolutionary process: If you are a crab and your carapace is ordinary, the humans will eat you.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan