Synonyms for

Decline

Verb / dɪˈklaɪn / Another word for decline — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to become smaller, fewer or weaker; to refuse to do something

Synonyms & similar words

ascent declension diminution declivity reject slump improvement better fall godown downslope turndown declination decay worsen wane refuse correct descent passup accept reduce diminish decrease weaken deteriorate wane sink fall slip drop refuse reject dismiss disregard ignore neglect avoid shun

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminish decrease wane ebb subside

Informal

go down drop fall off dip

Literary

falter founder recede

Antonyms

increase growth rise ascend improve progress develop

Common collocations

  • sharp decline
  • economic decline
  • steep decline
  • gradual decline
  • decline in quality
  • decline to accept
  • life expectancy decline
  • population decline

Word family

noun decline
verb decline
adjective declining

Usage note

Can refer to a physical fall, a decrease in quantity or quality, or a refusal. Be mindful of context to convey the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. The economy has been in decline for the past year.
  2. I'm sorry, but I have to decline the offer to go to the movies.
  3. The number of trees in the forest is on the decline.
  4. She felt her health start to decline as she got older.
  5. The company's profits are in decline.

Quotes

  • Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat. - F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • The only way to deal with fear is to face it head on. - James Patterson
  • The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities. - Ayn Rand

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