Another Word for Development: 18 Synonyms with Examples
Development means growth or progress, a new event, or new buildings on an area of land. Swap it to make clear which, and to avoid repeating it in reports.
As a noun: growth or progress
- growth
- progress
- advancement
- evolution
- improvement
- expansion
- maturation
As a noun: a new event or change
- event
- change
- occurrence
- turn of events
- news
- update
As a noun: new buildings
- estate
- complex
- construction
- building project
- site
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- growth
- An increase in size or amount, often economic or physical.
- progress
- Movement towards a goal or a better state.
- evolution
- Gradual change over a long time.
- expansion
- Growth in size or scope, especially of a business.
- turn of events
- An unexpected new development.
- estate
- A group of houses built together.
Example sentences
- growth: The town has seen rapid growth since the new station opened.
- progress: The patient is making good progress after surgery.
- evolution: The museum traces the evolution of the bicycle.
- expansion: The company's expansion into Europe created 200 jobs.
- turn of events: In a surprising turn of events, the mayor resigned.
- estate: A new housing estate is being built on the old airfield.
Opposite of development
- decline
- regression
- stagnation
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “development”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: growing
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “development”?
The most useful alternatives are “growth”, “progress”, “advancement”, “evolution”, “improvement”. For the main sense (growth or progress), “growth” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “growth” and “progress”?
growth: An increase in size or amount, often economic or physical. progress: Movement towards a goal or a better state.
What is the opposite of “development”?
Common antonyms are “decline”, “regression”, “stagnation”.