condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən 
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people—
A. J. Anderson
A. J. Anderson2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
Examples of condescension in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What united them all was an attempt to crowbar these classic characters into a contemporary setting that was inevitably accompanied by cynicism and condescension.
—EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
For researchers, engaging with those who have lost trust in the scientific community—in good faith and without condescension—is one way to start rebuilding that trust.
—Christopher M. Worsham, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Yet everything remains the same for Delia, whose romantic fantasies have given way to an embrace of her roles as dutiful wife and loving mother despite the sneering condescension and outright physical abuse at the hands of her strutting petty tyrant husband Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea).
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2025
The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescension
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EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
For researchers, engaging with those who have lost trust in the scientific community—in good faith and without condescension—is one way to start rebuilding that trust.
—Christopher M. Worsham, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Yet everything remains the same for Delia, whose romantic fantasies have given way to an embrace of her roles as dutiful wife and loving mother despite the sneering condescension and outright physical abuse at the hands of her strutting petty tyrant husband Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea).
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2025
The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescension
Cite this Entry
“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescension. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən
: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends
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