1
as in to stoop
to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity
I will not condescend to answer the sore loser's charge that I cheated in order to win the race
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to patronize
to assume or treat with an air of superiority
wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 condescend
Her colleagues are mostly interchangeable white guys whose attitudes toward her presence range from condescending to hostile.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025
In the one-woman play, which stars Michelle Azar, Ginsburg welcomes a family friend to her chambers to spend 90 minutes talking about key moments that shaped her life: From losing her mother at a young age to fighting for women’s rights in the 1970s before condescending all-male courts.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Backseat driving their life Constantly being told how to handle your job, hobbies or even your friendships will leave you feeling controlled and condescended.
—Jourdan Travers, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025
Which left two of its longtime fans on the TIME culture team feeling a bit disappointed and condescended to.
—Judy Berman, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025
In the one-woman play, which stars Michelle Azar, Ginsburg welcomes a family friend to her chambers to spend 90 minutes talking about key moments that shaped her life: From losing her mother at a young age to fighting for women’s rights in the 1970s before condescending all-male courts.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Backseat driving their life Constantly being told how to handle your job, hobbies or even your friendships will leave you feeling controlled and condescended.
—Jourdan Travers, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025
Which left two of its longtime fans on the TIME culture team feeling a bit disappointed and condescended to.
—Judy Berman, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condescend
Verb
-
The Padres have done such a good job of not stooping to their opponent’s level when the opponent was of a clearly lesser quality.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
-
Dealing with rude colleagues isn’t about stooping to their level but preserving your professionalism.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
That admittedly basic concept—that Deaf people don’t need hearing people worrying about or patronizing them—is one of the key themes of the film.—
John Hendrickson,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
-
Young people are hosting home cafés, making their own cappuccinos and iced matchas in lieu of patronizing coffee shops.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share