1
as in to fall
to lead or extend downward
the pathway descends to the river bank
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the order of the classroom descended into chaos when the teacher left the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to plunge
to go to a lower level especially abruptly
leaves slowly descended from the branches in the gentle autumn wind wait for the elevator to descend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of descend
More than 27,000 runners are expected to descend upon Los Angeles for the 2026 LA Marathon on Sunday, running more than two dozen miles across the city in what will be uncharacteristically balmy weather.
—
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Chaos erupted in Washington Square Park in Manhattan as a vigil mourning the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei descended into violence Friday, with video capturing a man being pummeled to the ground while attempting to tear down a poster of the late Iranian leader.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Formula 1 returns to Australia this weekend, descending on the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne once again.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
One of the many scenarios being discussed in foreign ministries around the region is the possibility that the Iranian regime could split into competing factions or descend into a civil war, much as Syria and Libya did more than a decade ago.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for descend
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Chaos erupted in Washington Square Park in Manhattan as a vigil mourning the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei descended into violence Friday, with video capturing a man being pummeled to the ground while attempting to tear down a poster of the late Iranian leader.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Formula 1 returns to Australia this weekend, descending on the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne once again.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
One of the many scenarios being discussed in foreign ministries around the region is the possibility that the Iranian regime could split into competing factions or descend into a civil war, much as Syria and Libya did more than a decade ago.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for descend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descend
Verb
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Additionally, the Hudson Farmers' Market draws local growers and makers with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and flowers on Saturdays from spring to fall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The development changed hands a couple of times during the 1920s, and during the late 1920s and the 1930s, the building deteriorated to the point of being unlivable as white flight and disinvestment hit the area, Preservation Chicago said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Infection occurs when the tree's bark is damaged by insects, animals, or mechanical wounds, causing the soft wood to deteriorate quickly and make the trunk and branches susceptible to breakage.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stocks plunged, and the price of oil spiked by fifteen per cent, as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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On Friday, the Euphoria stargave fans a glimpse of her ideal cozy date night, tugging down her plunging burgundy bralette while snapping photos on her laptop from her bed.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stopping, the man dismounted and shot that big bear square in the chest.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
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The popular halftime performer known as Red Panda finished her signature seven-minute set, looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting.—
Alanis Thames,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Jost, who also submitted comments to the MPCA on her own behalf, noted that major flooding could someday spread hazardous waste that is buried dozens of feet down, and the site could eventually pose a threat to slope stability.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
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One of my favorite choices is developing a dry creek bed that slopes away from a home's foundation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Gang violence, death threats and a crumbling judicial system have stalled an ongoing investigation.—
David Fischer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Last summer, the fastball effectiveness crumbled.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Attendees milled around a makeshift sauna village, assembled outside Seattle's Nordic Museum, sampling different styles of sauna, and occasionally dipping in an ice cold tub or shower.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
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Shares of Oracle have dipped 21% this year, swept up in a broader sell-off targeting the technology industry upon fears of artificial intelligence disruption.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Travelers can disembark in towns like Ticonderoga to visit Fort Ticonderoga, a key Revolutionary War site overlooking the lake, or continue north toward Plattsburgh, where waterfront trails and kayaking launches offer easy access to the water.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Remaining passengers on affected vessels also hope to eventually disembark and fly home, but with the geopolitical situation fluid and unstable, return dates are uncertain.—
Francesca Street,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Descend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descend. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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