1
as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
he declined the invitation to the party she declined to participate in the soccer game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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2
as in to deny
to be unwilling to grant
declined our request to hold a party
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3
as in to fall
to go to a lower level especially abruptly
new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years
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4
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
his reputation as a writer began to decline not long after his death
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5
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the winds should decline as soon as the cold front passes
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6
as in to plunge
to lead or extend downward
the bike path declines toward the riverbank and then follows the river for several miles
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1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
her sad decline from a robust athlete to an old woman with arthritis
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2
as in declination
a change to a lower state or level
the decline of the Roman Empire
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3
as in downhill
a downward slope
the bicyclist lost control on the unexpectedly steep decline
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4
as in demise
a loss of status
the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock band's decline
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5
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened
a huge decline in the value of the artwork after its authenticity was questioned
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of decline
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
The wrestler had first been pitched a TV series in 2002, but declined.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 24 July 2025
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
The sales drop was led primarily by a 9% fall in North America and declines in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decline
Verb
Prior to the release, President Trump on Tuesday blamed persistently weak home sales on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and the central bank's reluctance to lower interest rates, which would likely contribute to mortgage rates declining.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
The wrestler had first been pitched a TV series in 2002, but declined.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
Charter Communications continues to lose video and broadband customers as legacy cable giants face increasing competition from YouTube and other streaming-era competitors and the decline of traditional TV to reach and retain video viewers.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
The sales drop was led primarily by a 9% fall in North America and declines in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decline
Verb
-
Yet, despite urgent calls to evacuate, numerous passengers fumble with overhead compartments, refusing to leave their carry-ons behind.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
-
The ad has been slammed by some online as a Nazi-like pro-eugenics racist propaganda, while others have cheered the company and actress for refusing to apologize in the wake of social media outrage, which many view as a bad-faith take on something that’s meant to be playful.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Or will he get lumped in with Arthur Burns, abettor of the ‘70’s inflation debacle, and be denied Hall of Fame entry.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
In the days that followed, Bey said, the department also denied her the opportunity to see her son’s body until the day before his funeral.—
Kennedy Sessions,
Kansas City Star,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Then the tarp came out as rain that had been falling around Bristol much of Saturday turned heavy and delayed the start.—
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Pair them with billowy blouses to close out the summer, then whip out your favorite chunky knit sweaters come fall for a stylish, boho look.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Another attempt is likely Friday, although weather conditions will deteriorate somewhat.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
1 Aug. 2025
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Longtime customers had speculated about Cub Foods’ decline in Midway since customer service began deteriorating early in the pandemic.—
Gloria Ngwa,
Twin Cities,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Tip: Don't plunge too hard, as that can create large air bubbles, which will make the milk taste grainy.—
Maryal Miller Carter,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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In the second quarter, as tariffs took effect, imports plunged and companies sold off their inventories.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The art replaces a previous one that was located on Lake Street and removed in 2018 because of deterioration.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
-
Perry confirmed the system’s deterioration at the council’s May 28 meeting.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Where corporate criminal investigations resolve without filing any criminal charges (through a declination or deferred prosecution agreement), companies should expect victims to still voice their views loudly to the Justice Department and beyond.—
Lisa Zornberg,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
The sun's changing declination is what determines whether the sun's rays strike us at a low angle or more directly.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decline. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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