as in to lord (it over)
to assume or treat with an air of superiority
just because I don't have extensive experience in the field is no reason to talk down to me as if I were a child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talk down (to)
Verb
-
The traumas come from the way people responded, how they’ve been patronized and gaslit and shunned.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
10 June 2026 -
But Martin said the economic development goal of concert-goers patronizing local establishments comes up against the necessity of getting visitors in and out of the stadium smoothly with the least effect on the nearby residential neighborhood.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Researchers say the facility significantly cuts both training time and cost for AI models.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Sacramento’s latest homelessness decision will cut funding and reduce services at some shelters that support pregnant youth, the LGBTQ+ community and young parents.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
11 Dec. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Talk down (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talk%20down%20%28to%29. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
