Synonyms

evolutionary

American

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

adjective

pertaining to evolution or development; developmental.

the evolutionary origin of species.
of, relating to, or in accordance with a theory of evolution, especially in biology.
pertaining to or performing evolutions.

Other Word Forms

antievolutionary adjective
evolutionarily adverb
nonevolutionary adjective
preevolutionary adjective
proevolutionary adjective
unevolutionary adjective

Etymology

Origin of evolutionary

First recorded in 1840–50; evolution + -ary

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.

These genetic features act like evolutionary accelerators, preserving useful traits and speeding up change.

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

"My PhD project is looking at the evolutionary relationships of these early crocodiles," explains Ewan.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Mr. Barash, an evolutionary biologist, is a professor of psychology emeritus at the University of Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The pattern of evolutionary causality is a web of astonishing complexity; the incompleteness of our understanding humbles us.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023