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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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
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Recent Examples of condescend
Its relentlessly upbeat, hand-holding style has drawn constant criticism for coming across as condescending.
—
Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026
Michelle tries to correct the record, with her babydoll voice, and Jasmine starts yelling at her and telling her not to condescend to her and talk to her like a child.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
In the dream, Moffo rebukes Minnelli for being condescending.
—Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
The suppurating contempt Sheridan feels for the Big Apple oozes its way through much of the series, its condescending pus infecting stunning vistas, swelling musical compositions and at least one award-worthy performance, courtesy of Michelle Pfeiffer.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026
Michelle tries to correct the record, with her babydoll voice, and Jasmine starts yelling at her and telling her not to condescend to her and talk to her like a child.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
In the dream, Moffo rebukes Minnelli for being condescending.
—Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
The suppurating contempt Sheridan feels for the Big Apple oozes its way through much of the series, its condescending pus infecting stunning vistas, swelling musical compositions and at least one award-worthy performance, courtesy of Michelle Pfeiffer.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condescend
Verb
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Winger Aron Winter pulled back the cross, and Bergkamp stooped to head home their third of the game.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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Even the Celtics wouldn’t have stooped so low as to try to enact a ban on an opposing team’s fans.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The arrival of Max & Helen’s doubles as a reminder to patronize these institutions before more of them disappear.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Trade school is often talked about as an alternative to a four-year degree, but the discourse can be patronizing, with jobs in construction framed as an off-ramp for the kids who can’t cut it in real college.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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