Definition of condescendnext
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 Narcissists are known for their sense of entitlement, self-centeredness, superiority complex, and condescending attitude toward others. Angela Haupt, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 What makes Hudson’s performance so potent is its refusal to condescend. Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025 There are also forms of touch that are used to convey dominance or assert power, or to condescend or signal a superior role. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 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
  • High-torque joints in the waist enable deep squatting and stooping, supporting operations that require strength and flexibility.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025
  • Tim stooped down and put his hand on the little buck’s horns.
    William J. McRae, Outdoor Life, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Fast food chains may require workers to make diners feel valued and welcome, and certainly many customers see merit in patronizing an establishment where service comes with a smile.
    Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Piland said that measures the council took such as issuing gift cards to encourage people to patronize downtown businesses was a step in the right direction but didn’t go far enough.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

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