Synonyms of declination

declination

noun

ˌde-klə-ˈnā-shən 

1

as in decline

a change to a lower state or level

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decline
• deterioration
• degradation
• descent
• decrease
• eclipse
• downfall
• decadence
• fall
• ebb
• reduction
• declension
• degeneracy
• devolution
• destruction
• degeneration
• downgrade
• drop
• dissolution
• decay
• dégringolade
• sunset
• decomposition
• loss
• nadir
• breakup
• disintegration
• dip
• dark age
• depreciation
• slump
• abasement
• debasement
• diminution
• crumbling
• lowering
• falloff
• shrinkage
• rotting
• spoiling
• lessening
• decrement
• sag
• decimation
• diminishment
• ruination
• downturn
• deflation
• abatement
• demolition
• ruin
• havoc
• slip
• downtrend
• drop-off
• desolation
• demolishment
• downslide
• de-escalation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rise
• development
• growth
• evolution
• ascent
• advancement
• upswing
• renewal
• flowering
• increase
• restoration
• revitalization
• enhancement
• addition
• increment
• gain
• augmentation
• blossoming
• accrual
• flourishing
• accretion
• boost
• raise
• supplement
• heightening
• addendum

2

as in refusal

an unwillingness to grant something asked for

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refusal
• rejection
• denial
• nonacceptance
• no
• disallowance
• turndown
• nay
• suppression
• injunction
• repudiation
• rebuff
• veto
• repulse
• spurn
• repression
• discouragement
• negative
• ban
• deterrence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• grant
• allowance
• agreement
• acceptance
• consent
• sanction
• clearance
• permission
• license
• authorization
• assent
• concurrence
• accession
• acquiescence
• leave
• signature
• OK
• seal
• stamp
• sufferance
• imprimatur

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of declination

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

Jupiter is currently situated against the stars of Gemini the Twins where the ecliptic — the apparent path of the sun, moon and planets — comes farthest north, at +23 degrees declination. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Presenting their findings in a lengthy declination memo, the prosecutors explicitly mentioned the two other investigations to bolster their recommendation that probable cause does not exist to charge Comey, according to sources familiar with the contents of the memo. — Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025