DECLENSION Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

declension

noun

di-ˈklen(t)-shən

Definition of declension

as in deterioration

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body a noticeable declension of the fitness of the baseball players over the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in declination

a change to a lower state or level a declension in her acting career from leading roles to cameos eventually

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in downhill

a downward slope from this region to the seacoast there's a gentle declension of the landscape

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of declension Haidt follows the same tired declension narrative that his rhetorical forebearers did. — Vicki Phillips, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 One time, when Joyce was memorizing Latin declension, Bill Bradley of the Knicks took notice. — Katherine Fitzgerald, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2021 The same time span felt faster, like an explosion rather than like a declension. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 7 June 2021 Gender plays an integral role in many languages, from nouns assigned to a specific gender to adjectives changing their declensions based on the noun being described. — Madhvi Ramani, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for declension

Noun

The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk.

— Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of deterioration

Noun

The declinations came as the DOJ reassigned and cut prosecutors working on environmental cases.

— Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2026
Federal regulations require special counsels to provide the attorney general with a report that explain prosecution or declination decisions once their work is concluded.

— Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

Definition of declination

Noun

Allen is a solid downhill, change-of-pace runner who can be used in short-yardage situations.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
The Picklejus aims for the complete package in mountain running, tackling not just distances greater than 100 miles but also the dramatic uphills and downhills that may come along the way.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of downhill

Noun

Rapid weakening, however, is expected after the center of the storm moves inland.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
In an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington wouldn't object if Tokyo intervened to support a weakening yen.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of weakening

Noun

Larger coupon payments now provide a cushion against further price declines, unlike the low-yield environment earlier this decade.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Later, Hammer filmed her body’s visible decline from a long battle with cancer, concluding with her death in 2019 at age 79.

— Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

In a total power blackout, the plant removes residual decay heat through natural convection rather than emergency electrical pumps or operator intervention.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Waytowich said crime is a symptom of much deeper problems on the north side of Jacksonville, from neighborhood decay to generational trauma and lack of job opportunities.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decay

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déclassé

declension

declensions

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“Declension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declension. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of declension

noun

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