decline
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for decline, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To become weaker, smaller, or worse over time.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use decline
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin declinare, "to bend away, turn aside" — from de- ("down") + clinare ("to bend"), the same root found in "incline" and "recline."
Full origin of decline →Frequently asked questions
What does “decline” mean?
The word “decline” means to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time. In plain terms, to get worse or smaller (a decline in sales), or to politely say no to something (decline an invitation).
How do you pronounce “decline”?
“Decline” is pronounced dih-KLYN (/dɪˈklaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “decline” in a sentence?
Here is “decline” used in a sentence: “His health declined rapidly after the diagnosis.”
What is the opposite of “decline”?
The opposite of “decline” — its antonyms — is incline.
What part of speech is “decline”?
Depending on how it is used, “decline” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “decline” come from?
The word “decline” comes from Latin. From Latin declinare, "to bend away, turn aside" — from de- ("down") + clinare ("to bend"), the same root found in "incline" and "recline.".
Is “decline” a common word?
“Decline” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “decline” have?
“Decline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time.
What is the difference between decline and recline?
These are easily confused but unrelated. To decline means to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time — sales decline, health declines. To recline means to lean or lie back into a resting position, as in a reclining chair. One describes deterioration; the other describes a relaxed posture.
What is the difference between decline and refuse?
'Decline' has two senses. In the meaning here it describes something weakening or worsening over time. It can also mean to politely turn down an offer, which overlaps with 'refuse'. 'Refuse' is blunter and firmer, while 'decline' in that sense is more courteous and formal.
What is an example of decline?
A once-busy town whose population and trade shrink year after year is in decline. Failing health as someone ages, a company losing customers, or a language spoken by fewer and fewer people all illustrate decline — a gradual shift toward becoming weaker, smaller, or worse over time.
What is the opposite of decline?
The opposite of decline is to improve, grow, rise, or flourish — to become stronger, larger, or better rather than worse. Where a business in decline loses ground, a thriving one expands. Words like recover and prosper capture the reversal from deterioration back to health and growth.