Synonyms for

Descending

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

Definition

Moving or falling downward.

Synonyms & similar words

settle descend fall comedown ascend rise godown condescend derive ascending deign come falling dropping lowering sliding sinking declining reducing diminishing decreasing abating descending settling

Synonyms by register

Formal

decreasing diminishing reducing lowering

Informal

going down dropping falling

Literary

abating subsiding waning

Antonyms

ascending rising increasing growing upward climbing

Common collocations

  • descending order
  • descending staircase
  • descending path
  • descending flight
  • descending into
  • descending from

Word family

noun descent
verb descend
adjective descending
adverb descendingly

Usage note

Often used in mathematics to denote a sequence of numbers from largest to smallest. Can also refer to physical movement downwards.

Example sentences

  1. The sun was descending behind the mountains.
  2. The elevator was descending to the basement.
  3. The students were descending the stairs to the cafeteria.
  4. The airplane was descending for landing.
  5. The temperature was descending rapidly.

Quotes

  • The only way to go is up, but first, you must descend.
  • The path of descent is the path of transformation.
  • To be heroic is to be courageous enough to die for something; to be inspirational is to be crazy enough to live a little.

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