1
as in falls
to lead or extend downward
the pathway descends to the river bank
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deteriorates
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 plunges
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
as in dismounts
to come down from something (as a vehicle)
the driver descended from the truck's cab, dreading to see what he had hit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of descends
This is the leader who descends into the weeds, confirming every detail, not because the situation demands it but because something inside needs reassurance.
—
Karyn Gallant,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The virtual oar-yanking celebration in a baseball atmosphere was one of those weird juxtapositions that seem to get fostered whenever a World Cup fanbase descends upon a host city.
—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
When a bartender goes missing, Ohm descends into both his own history and that of this Overlook Hotel–esque setting in a film that verifies the suspicion that McCarthy is one of the best genre directors currently working.
—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
From her base in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the creator descends beneath the surface to tend coral nurseries, monitor reef health and help restore damaged reefs teeming with marine life.
—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Hop aboard as the sun descends into the Pacific for an epic view from the top of the tracks.
—
Adeline Duff,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Whether humanity makes a quick shift to a new order or descends into chaos, pain, and widespread suffering will depend upon our ability to forge a vision for the future that captures the public’s attention and commitment.
—
Wendell Wallach,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
Once a year, a special attraction descends, coaxing thousands of guests to gather along Surf Avenue leading toward the boardwalk to watch and participate in the historic Mermaid Parade.
—
Amir Hamja,
Vogue,
22 June 2026
Instead of following the Gabrielino Trail, keep your eyes peeled for the trail that descends toward the riverbed.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Karyn Gallant,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The virtual oar-yanking celebration in a baseball atmosphere was one of those weird juxtapositions that seem to get fostered whenever a World Cup fanbase descends upon a host city.
—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
When a bartender goes missing, Ohm descends into both his own history and that of this Overlook Hotel–esque setting in a film that verifies the suspicion that McCarthy is one of the best genre directors currently working.
—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
From her base in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the creator descends beneath the surface to tend coral nurseries, monitor reef health and help restore damaged reefs teeming with marine life.
—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Hop aboard as the sun descends into the Pacific for an epic view from the top of the tracks.
—
Adeline Duff,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Whether humanity makes a quick shift to a new order or descends into chaos, pain, and widespread suffering will depend upon our ability to forge a vision for the future that captures the public’s attention and commitment.
—
Wendell Wallach,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
Once a year, a special attraction descends, coaxing thousands of guests to gather along Surf Avenue leading toward the boardwalk to watch and participate in the historic Mermaid Parade.
—
Amir Hamja,
Vogue,
22 June 2026
Instead of following the Gabrielino Trail, keep your eyes peeled for the trail that descends toward the riverbed.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descends
Verb
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Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
-
Royal Week falls ahead of Prince Harry's upcoming trip to the United Kingdom.
Verb
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The delivery was a glimmer of good news in a living situation that deteriorates by the day.
-
Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.
Verb
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In six parts, The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, plunges us into the momentous war that led to the nation’s founding.
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At times comical, each of these stories swerves and plunges deep into dark truths of human nature.
Verb
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His wife disembarks, as do more than two dozen other passengers.
-
When border agents board during a stop (each with wanted posters of Philip and Elizabeth), Paige disembarks.
Verb
-
That is the moment that everything crumbles for Rachel.
-
Loyalty, betrayal, illness and war all bear down on the group as the old order crumbles around them.
Verb
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The glowing ribbon of the Milky Way tumbles directly through this cosmic triangle before arcing towards the southern horizon, though its diffuse light will be hidden behind a veil of moonlight on the night of the full moon.
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Then the wisdom tumbles like Milk Duds fresh from the concessionaire.
Verb
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As pleasure-seeking Venus alights within your 5th House of Self-Expression, fun projects sparkle, and your spirited humor invites others to join a playful challenge.
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But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.
Verb
-
Once the finish is damaged, stains cling more easily, leading people to scrub even harder, which worsens the problem.
-
From Montesquieu’s perspective, polarization worsens this appetite for disregarding constitutional norms.
Cite this Entry
“Descends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descends. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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