decline
verb (used with object)
to withhold or deny consent to do, enter into or upon, etc.; refuse.
declined
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past participleof decline.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof decline.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
declineverb (used with object)to withhold or deny consent to do, enter into or upon, etc.; refuse.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While he declined to reveal to CNN how much the diamond was insured for, he noted that extensive academic study into the properties of the diamond had taken place to make it uniquely identifiable.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
He said that public trust in universities has declined and “we must regain trust by earning it.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Police also declined to identify the armed bystander, saying he hadn’t given them permission to name him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
Speaking Friday at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s annual meeting in Bangkok, Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh declined to share any expectations for the central bank’s upcoming rate-setting meeting.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
They joined hands and spun and declined and fell until they were dizzy, and then they rose and did it again.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
