Synonyms for

Evolutionary

Verb / ˌevʌˈlu:ʃʌˌneri: / / ˌi:vʌˈlu:ʃʌˌneri: / / ˌevəʊˈlu:ʃʌˌneri: / / ˌi:vəʊˈlu:ʃʌˌneri: / Another word for evolutionary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form

Synonyms & similar words

progressive developing advancing changing improving growing transforming maturing emergent evolving expanding proliferating flourishing thriving blooming blossoming unfolding developed mature evolved

Synonyms by register

Formal

developmental progressive gradual

Literary

unfolding emergent

Antonyms

static unchanging fixed stable regressive stagnant arrested

Common collocations

  • evolutionary biology
  • evolutionary process
  • evolutionary theory
  • evolutionary psychology
  • evolutionary advantage
  • evolutionary history
  • evolutionary path

Word family

noun evolution
adverb evolutionarily

Usage note

Primarily used in scientific contexts, especially biology, to describe gradual change over time. Avoid using it informally for simple development.

Example sentences

  1. The evolutionary process takes time.
  2. Dinosaurs were part of the evolutionary chain.
  3. The theory of evolution is about how species evolve over time.
  4. Humans are the result of millions of years of evolutionary development.
  5. The evolutionary changes of technology have been immense.

Quotes

  • 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.' - Theodosius Dobzhansky
  • 'Evolution is the fundamental idea in all of life science.' - Bill Nye
  • 'The theory of evolution is not a theory about the origin of life.' - Stephen Jay Gould

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words