CONDESCEND Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

condescend

verb

ˌkän-di-ˈsend

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rise

as in to patronize

to assume or treat with an air of superiority wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Examples of condescend in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like any good coming-of-age movie, Familiar Touch never condescends. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 This portrait of his creative process, directed by Chris Smith, is exceptionally funny, and the joke is often on Borchardt, but the affectionate eye of the camera is never condescending. —

Eric Farwell and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2024 Just write a good story—this particular tone, not mean but condescending and watchful, became a theme throughout the interview. —

Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2024 Channeling the spirit of that video clerk is his rule: Don’t be condescending. —

Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for condescend

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condescend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.