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 of declination

• 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

Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded. —Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

Of the 395 complaints the division received, 306 were resolved through determinations or declinations. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2026

Nachmanoff pressed the Justice Department over whether a formal declination memo deciding against charges for Comey exists. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 19 Nov. 2025

McLaughlin characterized the Fullerton officer’s response as a declination to help. —Sierra Van Der Brug, Oc Register, 10 Nov. 2025

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