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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Recent Examples of condescend
But Chernus talks at us with the condescending zeal of a true music-lover, and his cheeky tirades about the history of jazz — and why Jarrett’s gift for improvisation is unique even in the context of such a freeform genre — are entertaining and educational in equal measure.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
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Helm’s valley, though it is being grazed by herds, hunted across by packs and stooped upon from above, seems a bit – dull.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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Daniels said, arguing that no past Republicans would’ve stooped to such a level.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The latter film was made based on the confessions of young people living in Latvia who openly spoke of patronizing teachers and parents, worries for the future and fears over fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
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For people to patronize those businesses.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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