decline, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn mean to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering. decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations.

DECLINE definition: to withhold or deny consent to do, enter into or upon, etc.; refuse. See examples of decline used in a sentence.

DECLINE definition: 1. to gradually become less, worse, or lower: 2. to refuse: 3. If a noun, pronoun, or adjective…. Learn more.

a gradual deterioration of the physical powers, as in later life or in disease: After his seventieth birthday he went into a decline. progress downward or toward the close, as of the sun or the day.

Jan 2, 2026 · Decline, refuse, forbear, refrain: Decline is gentler than refuse and carries a connotation that the non-acceptance is an acceptable or anticipated option (decline an …

Definition of decline verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

12. a downward movement, as of prices or population: a decline in the stock market. 13. a deterioration, as in strength, power, or value. 14. progress downward or toward the close. 15. …

1. To express polite refusal: I wanted to invite them but I was afraid they would decline. 2. a. To slope downward; descend: The roof declines at a steep angle. b. To bend downward; droop: …

If there is a decline in something, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or quality.

When something declines, it goes downhill. If you stop working out, your health may decline. If you want it to improve, you should start climbing inclines instead of coasting down declines.