CONDESCENSION Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

condescension

noun

Definition of condescension

as in arrogance

the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people The author discusses the politics of the region without condescension.

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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 condescension Plays written about teenagers are not easy to pull off with authenticity and without condescension. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Dog Day Afternoon has unique sympathy for its central characters, emphasizing their desperation and seemingly endless complexity without condescension or oversimplification. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 His condescension toward his mother surely represents patriarchal attitudes of the period. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026 Even more than his spelling book, Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language was an attempt to fashion the materials for writers to address that sort of condescension. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for condescension

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condescension

Noun

But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

During his presidency, Ronald Reagan showed his disdain for the Soviet Union.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
More in Out of Pocket, Out of Reach Americans’ disdain for the health insurance system was vividly illustrated nearly two years ago in the reactions to the killing of health insurance executive Brian Thompson.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of disdain

Noun

Instead, Taiwan has been crucial to maintaining the United States’ technological superiority.

— LIN CHIA-LUNG, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
Together, the developments point to a broader role for the aircraft beyond conventional air-superiority missions, reflecting China’s efforts to integrate stealth fighters into increasingly networked combat operations, reports the Global Times.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

Her two-way dominance and experience make her one of the leading candidates for national player of the year, alongside 2026 winner Sarah Strong of Connecticut and USC guard JuJu Watkins.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Panelists tied the airport’s high airfares directly to market dominance, pointing out that ticket prices drop when carriers face genuine competition.

— Chase Jordan October 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominance

Noun

The state also has a measure on the ballot that would make a temporary tax hike permanent on individuals earning over $371,000, adjusted annually for inflation.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
For Trump supporters, that means explaining away vexations like inflation and the war with Iran, twin anchors dragging down the president and fellow Republicans.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of inflation

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condescends

condescension

condign

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Style

“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescension. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of condescension

noun

Example Sentences

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