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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deny
to be unwilling to grant
declined our request to hold a party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fall
to go to a lower level especially abruptly
new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in declination
a change to a lower state or level
the decline of the Roman Empire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in downhill
a downward slope
the bicyclist lost control on the unexpectedly steep decline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in demise
a loss of status
the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock band's decline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 decline
Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Revenue is expected to decline between 4 percent and 5 percent, which anticipates a drop of 4 to 5 percent in North America, a mid-teen percent decline in Asia-Pacific and high-single-digit growth in EMEA.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
And some experts worry that the recent decline could be slowed or stopped by reductions in federal funding and the public health workforce, or a shift away from the strategies that seem to be working.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decline
Verb
In the aftermath of former Vice President Kamala Harris’s devastating loss to President Donald Trump last November, many people have come forward to describe the lengths Biden’s closest allies went to in order to cover up his cognitive lapses and declining health.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Revenue is expected to decline between 4 percent and 5 percent, which anticipates a drop of 4 to 5 percent in North America, a mid-teen percent decline in Asia-Pacific and high-single-digit growth in EMEA.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Noun
Ticket prices for sporting events plunged by 12.2%, the biggest monthly decline on record.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
And some experts worry that the recent decline could be slowed or stopped by reductions in federal funding and the public health workforce, or a shift away from the strategies that seem to be working.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decline
Verb
-
When one player refused and wanted to take a photo of the statement, the player was allegedly denied a chance and warned ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi would find out about his response.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
8 May 2025
-
Both have also been vocally critical of giving more military and financial assistance to Ukraine and have previously threatened refused to back the EU’s regular extensions of sanctions against Russia.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Aside from an apology video following the release of security footage in which Combs is seen beating Cassie, the music mogul has denied all of the allegations and claimed the video has been altered.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
-
Though some sheriffs have denied their existence, Luna has acknowledged and vowed to eradicate them.—
Keri Blakinger,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
Last night, the Rockies were 0-for-7 after falling behind 1-2.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
-
As a result, trade between the two sides is falling sharply, according to logistics experts.—
Juliana Liu,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
In March, Rose Shalom of Sunland lost her husband, Mannie Rezende, who had slowly deteriorated from Alzheimer’s over several years.—
Steve Lopez,
Mercury News,
7 May 2025
-
Bloomberg | Getty Images Hugo Boss on Tuesday pointed to deteriorating U.S. consumer confidence, with uncertainty around tariffs, recession risks and immigration policy dampening both domestic and tourist spend in its largest single market.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
6 May 2025
Verb
-
The four-seamer might be decreasing in usage, and the worst single pitch in the game - but the great ones have great ones.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Chinese exports plunge as U.S. retailers cancel orders over tariffs Trump announces trade deal with U.K.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
9 May 2025
-
The bodice of the long-sleeve jacket with a plunging neckline featured encrusted jeweled elements throughout.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
From the start, the idea was to revitalize Eagle Crest Plaza, which became blighted due to years of neglect and deterioration by rainwater detention.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
-
Conversely, Oklahoma and Iowa exhibited the fastest doubling of death rates after age 35—a sign of more rapid health deterioration among their populations.—
Jordan King
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The changing declination also defines the daily arc that the sun takes across the sky, thereby accounting for the length of daylight.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share