Declines — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /di-ˈklīn/ de·cline

Meaning & Definition of Declines

Declines (verb)

  1. to become lower in amount or less in number
  2. to tend toward an inferior state or weaker condition
  3. to withhold consent

Declines (noun)

  1. the process of declining
  2. a gradual deterioration in physical or mental function
  3. a change to a lower state or level

Declines (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

  2. to be unwilling to grant

    "declined our request to hold a party"

  3. to go to a lower level especially abruptly

    "new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years"

  4. to become worse or of less value

    "his reputation as a writer began to decline not long after his death"

  5. to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

    "the winds should decline as soon as the cold front passes"

  6. to lead or extend downward

    "the bike path declines toward the riverbank and then follows the river for several miles"

Declines (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a change to a lower state or level

    "the decline of the Roman Empire"

    opposite: ascents, rises, upswings
  2. a downward slope

    "the bicyclist lost control on the unexpectedly steep decline"

  3. a loss of status

    "the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock band's decline"

  4. the amount by which something is lessened

    "a huge decline in the value of the artwork after its authenticity was questioned"

Related Entry: Decline (verb)

Decline is a different word from Declines. The synonyms below are for decline, not for declines.

  1. 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"

  2. to be unwilling to grant

    "declined our request to hold a party"

    opposite: allow, concede, grant, let, OK, permit
  3. to go to a lower level especially abruptly

    "new-car sales declined to their lowest level in years"

    opposite: arise, ascend, lift, mount, rise, soar, spike, up
  4. to become worse or of less value

    "his reputation as a writer began to decline not long after his death"

  5. to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

    "the winds should decline as soon as the cold front passes"

  6. to lead or extend downward

    "the bike path declines toward the riverbank and then follows the river for several miles"

    similar: descend, dip, drop, fall, plunge, sink

Related Entry: Decline (noun)

Decline is a different word from Declines. The synonyms below are for decline, not for declines.

  1. a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body

    "her sad decline from a robust athlete to an old woman with arthritis"

  2. a change to a lower state or level

    "the decline of the Roman Empire"

    opposite: ascent, rise, upswing
  3. a downward slope

    "the bicyclist lost control on the unexpectedly steep decline"

  4. a loss of status

    "the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock band's decline"

  5. the amount by which something is lessened

    "a huge decline in the value of the artwork after its authenticity was questioned"

Related Entry: Declines (in) (verb)

Declines (in) is a different word from Declines. The synonyms below are for declines (in), not for declines.

  1. as in falls (in), tapers off

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Declines

The most common words with a similar meaning to Declines:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Declines

Words with the opposite meaning of Declines:

Near Antonyms of Declines

Word Forms of Declines

Inflections: declined, declining

Derived words: declinable (adjective), decliner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Declines

Middle English, from Anglo-French decliner, from Latin declinare to turn aside, inflect, from de- + clinare to incline lean

First known use: 14th centuryi

Frequently Asked Questions about Declines

What does "Declines" mean?

"Declines" means to become lower in amount or less in number. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to become lower in amount or less in number. It has 10 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Declines"?

Other words for "Declines" include balks (at), deselects, disapproves, negatives, nixes, passes, passes up and refuses. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Declines" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Declines"?

There are 266 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Declines". Common alternatives include balks (at), deselects, disapproves, negatives, nixes, passes, passes up, refuses, rejects and reprobates.

What is the opposite of "Declines"?

Antonyms of "Declines" include accepts, agrees (to), approves, allows, concedes, grants, lets and OKs. Near antonyms include condones, countenances, swallows and tolerates.

How do you use "Declines" in a sentence?

Examples of "Declines" in a sentence: "he declined the invitation to the party"; "she declined to participate in the soccer game"; "declined our request to hold a party".

Is "Declines" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Declines" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Declines"?

"Declines" is pronounced /di-ˈklīn/ and divided into syllables as de·cline.

What is the origin of the word "Declines"?

"Declines" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French decliner, from Latin declinare to turn aside, inflect, from de- + clinare to incline lean. First known use: 14th centuryi.