DESCENDS Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

descends

verb

present tense third-person singular of descend

as in falls

to lead or extend downward the pathway descends to the river bank

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Relevance

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as in deteriorates

to become worse or of less value the order of the classroom descended into chaos when the teacher left the room

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

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 descends Moments later, chaos — and an army of camera-toting, masked glamazons — descends, capturing her every move from countless angles. —

Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 The psychological horror film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor is about a furniture store owner who descends into his own heart of darkness in his shop. —

Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 But their friendship comes to a sudden end in episode 5 when law enforcement descends on the farm. —

Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 Plus, as the plane descends, the force of going down actually recharges the battery. —

ABC News, 3 June 2026 Once seated, Ferrell can be seen beginning to eat as the ride climbs and descends its first hill. —

Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 Rue descends into crime, working with Nazis, the feds, and a Black cowboy in a drug plot that stems from her adolescent foibles with monotone drug dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly). —

Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026 With trust eroding, dangerous new allies entering the fold, and the FBI escalating its pressure, the compound descends further into chaos — all building toward a shocking and unforgettable confrontation. —

Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 May 2026 The greatest loss, as microdemographics turn away from and against one another and a grim pall descends over public life, might be that of late night as a venue to forget our differences (or at least laugh about them) long enough to have fun together, like a functional society. —

Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for descends

Verb

If the measure falls short, any registered voter could request and pay for a recount after the results are certified.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
The military procession continues to serve as the official birthday for the reigning sovereign, regardless of when their actual birthday falls.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026