declination

noun

dec·​li·​na·​tion ˌde-klə-ˈnā-shən 

plural declinations

1

: angular distance north or south from the celestial equator measured along a great circle passing through the celestial poles

2

: a turning aside or swerving

3

: deterioration

moral declination

4

: a bending downward : inclination

5

a

: a formal refusal

b

law : a decision by a prosecutor not to pursue an indictment

6

: the angle formed between a magnetic needle and the geographical meridian

declinational

ˌde-klə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• decline
• deterioration
• degradation
• descent

Examples of declination in a Sentence

there's been a declination in basic civility in our society

congressional declinations of cabinet appointments have been relatively infrequent, most senators believing that the president is entitled to pick his own advisors

Recent Examples on the Web

On those three dates, variations in the moon's position relative to Earth's equator — particularly its declination — can influence tidal forces that subtly affect Earth's rotation rate. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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

Thomas said the sheriff's office presented the case to the district attorney's office for declination purposes only because of Suff's prior convictions and death sentence. —Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024

Another obvious theme is the conversation around the past feminist female identity and the different declinations of such identity in the present. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English declinacioun, from Middle French declination, from Latin declination-, declinatio angle of the heavens, turning aside

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for declination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

declination

noun

dec·​li·​na·​tion ˌdek-lə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: angular distance north or south from the celestial equator measured along a great circle passing through the celestial poles

the declination of a star

2

: a bending downward : inclination

3

: the angle that the magnetic needle makes with a true north and south line