1
as in refuses
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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2
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
declined our request to hold a party
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3
as in falls
to go to a lower level especially abruptly
new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years
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4
as in deteriorates
to become worse or of less value
his reputation as a writer began to decline not long after his death
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5
as in decreases
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the winds should decline as soon as the cold front passes
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6
as in plunges
to lead or extend downward
the bike path declines toward the riverbank and then follows the river for several miles
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1
as in deteriorations
a change to a lower state or level
the decline of the Roman Empire
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2
as in dips
a downward slope
the bicyclist lost control on the unexpectedly steep decline
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3
as in demises
a loss of status
the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock band's decline
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4
as in reductions
the amount by which something is lessened
a huge decline in the value of the artwork after its authenticity was questioned
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Cite this Entry
“Declines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declines. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.
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