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

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

Nov 23, 2025 · 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 invitation) or the result of …

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. the later years or last …

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.

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.

If you decline something or decline to do something, you politely refuse to accept it or do it.

Regretfully, we have to decline [= turn down] the invitation to your wedding. He changed his mind and declined the company's offer.

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