decline
verb (used with object)
to withhold or deny consent to do, enter into or upon, etc.; refuse.
had declined
-
past perfectof decline.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Last year, it was reported that the number of American readers had declined by 40% over the previous two decades.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
Daisuke Komori, another advisor on administrative affairs, told AFP that he had declined potential clients, "many of whom were Chinese", seeking to move chiefly for their children's education or to leave China.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
Warsh said he had declined to submit a projection.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
The Home Office said the system was being reformed, as hotel use for asylum seekers was falling, asylum claims had declined, and the number of decisions made about cases had risen.
From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026
So far, IOI had declined to comment on either.
From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline
