DECLINING Synonyms: 355 Similar and Opposite Words

declining 1 of 3

adjective

di-ˈklī-niŋ

Definition of declining

as in bowing

bending downward or forward the declining flowers perked up with the gentle rainfall

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

declining

2 of 3

noun

as in decline

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

declining

3 of 3

verb

present participle of decline

as in refusing

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in denying

to be unwilling to grant declined our request to hold a party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in falling

to go to a lower level especially abruptly new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deteriorating

to become worse or of less value his reputation as a writer began to decline not long after his death

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as in decreasing

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the winds should decline as soon as the cold front passes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plunging

to lead or extend downward the bike path declines toward the riverbank and then follows the river for several miles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of declining

Noun

Reports showing inflation and unemployment declining have subsequently been released, and a nominee for the Federal Reserve chairman role has since been announced. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Verb

And, unlike 100 years ago, the country now faces a declining population and work force. — Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026 After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026 With only a week of freedom under his belt, Cribbs said Powell is declining interviews for now, reentering the world with some trepidation. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Macy’s has struggled with declining sales since 2022, but recent improvements in free cash flow and profit margins have generated optimism for a longer-term recovery. — Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 For example, in New York state, the mask mandate on April 15th came after COVID cases had already started declining. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 In a new report released Wednesday, the university highlighted higher than average earnings, accelerated social mobility and declining student debt for its graduates. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 In fiscal 2026, VF broke a streak of three consecutive years of declining companywide sales, with The North Face and Timberland both growing 5% on a constant-currency basis. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for declining

Adjective

James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head.

— Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021

Definition of nodding

Noun

Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

The lawsuit states that Kuka has singlehandedly caused irreparable harm to Boca View by refusing to abide by Florida law and the association’s own bylaws in order to further her self-serving agenda.

— Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
While his blunt and disruptive approach can alienate others, the character illustrates that disruptive leaders often accelerate innovation by asking questions and refusing to accept the status quo.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of refusing

Verb

But there’s no denying McIlroy was looking sleek with his Masters jacket, which was accompanied by a white shirt and green tie to match.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Responsible leadership means proactively preparing the enterprise workforce for this imminent organizational down-sizing and structural workplace transition rather than denying its clear historical inevitability.

— Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of denying

Verb

The report will also provide insight into whether American workers’ paychecks are falling further behind inflation.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
But Musk fell short of the yearly 5% minimum the IRS legally requires his foundation to give away, after falling roughly $423 million short in 2023.

— Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of falling

Verb

In 1922, Kenmore House was deteriorating, and the Kenmore Association and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) needed $30,000 for its repairs and restoration.

— Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
And his political standing is now suddenly deteriorating to the point where Congress is maybe losing some of its fear, and there may be a different Congress after November.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Definition of deteriorating

Verb

Most of these early mandate states were centered around the Northeast, where viral spread started decreasing as a result of normal season patterns.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Across the United States, cities are decreasing the number of available psychiatric beds just as demand is surging.

— Ian West, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of decreasing

Verb

Handwerker revealed that Gerber joined her mom at the event with a second photo posted on July 5, which showed the Mother Mary actress wearing a bodycon black gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline that dipped to her ribs.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Olandria Carthen attended the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles wearing a bright yellow gown with a plunging neckline and daringly high slit.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of plunging

Cite this Entry

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“Declining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declining. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of declining

adjective

noun

verb

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