Decline Definition & Meaning

decline
noun
  1. change toward something smaller or lower
  2. a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state
  3. a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
  4. a downward slope or bend
verb
  1. grow worse; "Conditions in the slum worsened"
  2. refuse to accept; "He refused my offer of hospitality"
  3. show unwillingness towards; "he declined to join the group on a hike"
  4. grow smaller; "Interest in the project waned"
  5. go down; "The roof declines here"
  6. go down in value; "the stock market corrected"; "prices slumped"
  7. inflect for number, gender, case, etc., "in many languages, speakers decline nouns, pronouns, and adjectives"

Synonyms for decline

decay noun

the process of gradually becoming inferior a gradual decrease

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
declivity noun

a downward slope or bend

♫ Rhymes
descent noun

a movement downward properties attributable to your ancestry

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
diminution noun

change toward something smaller or lower the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length

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fall noun

the season when the leaves fall from the trees; "in the fall of 1973" a sudden drop from an upright position

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
refuse noun

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen) show unwillingness towards

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
reject noun

the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality refuse to accept or acknowledge

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
wane noun

a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number) grow smaller; "Interest in the project waned" become smaller

♫ Rhymes
worsen verb

grow worse; "Conditions in the slum worsened" make worse; "This drug aggravates the pain"

♫ Rhymes

"Decline" in song lyrics

See how decline is used in real songs:

  • "Boom! It's been four years of decline"
    AMB f/ Insane Clown Posse — Calm Down
  • "And I'll be standin right behind when your credit card decline"
    Dre Dog (Andre Nickatina) & Equipto — These Clowns
  • "The lifestyle I lead got my health on decline"
    Classified — Intro! Ups and Downs

Words that rhyme with decline

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Usage tips for "decline"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "decline" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for decline to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with decline ↔ Synonyms for decline 🔬 Words containing decline

Frequently asked questions

What does decline mean?
change toward something smaller or lower a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current a downward slope or bend grow worse; "Conditions in the slum worsened" refuse to accept; "He refused my offer of hospitality" show unwillingness towards; "he declined to join the group on a hike" grow smaller; "Interest in the project waned" go down; "The roof declines here" go down in value
What part of speech is decline?
Decline is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does decline have?
Decline has 11 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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