Antonyms for the word "declines" include rise, grow, increase, expand, escalate, flourish, prosper, and thrive. These words all indicate a positive trend of growth and improvement, whereas "declines" suggests a negative trend of decrease and deterioration. Using these antonyms can provide a more positive and optimistic tone to discussions of economic or social trends. For example, instead of saying that a company's profits are declining, one could say that they are expanding or growing. Similarly, instead of saying that a society is declining, one could say that it is flourishing or thriving.