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

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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

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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 If this premiere is any indicator, Keiarna is going to have to sharpen her digs a bit so that Wendy doesn’t get to easily dismiss or minimize what clearly seems to be a passive-aggressive or condescending subtext in their dynamic. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 Dismissing these concerns as mere xenophobia is both condescending and factually wrong. Letters To The Editor, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025 Its tone comes off as opinionated, judgy, and downright condescending at times. Boone Ashworth Kylie Robison, Wired News, 8 Sep. 2025 These can often be perceived as condescending, disguising advice within a seemingly innocuous question. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condescend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condescend
Verb
  • Daniels said, arguing that no past Republicans would’ve stooped to such a level.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Dier was stooping slightly but the Portuguese midfielder’s leg was at least chest-high.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For people to patronize those businesses.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Theetge said the city is addressing the challenges caused by an uptick in crime downtown this summer and called on citizens to continue to patronize businesses in the urban core.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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