talk down
verb
talked down; talking down; talks down
: to speak in a condescending or oversimplified fashion
: to disparage or belittle by talking
Synonyms
Examples of talk down in a Sentence
a company that prefers to talk up its own products rather than talk down those of its competitors
Recent Examples on the Web
However, if a new client rejects strategies, expects unrealistic results and/or talks down to my team—then that client will no longer be a client.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The two countries eventually signed a trade deal that was meant to lead to more trade talks down the line.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Does your party have a disdain problem in talking down to working class voters in particular?
—CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024
Gargoyles Few cartoons are as recognized for their mature storytelling as Gargoyles, a prime example of not talking down to a young audience.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talk down 
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.
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The two countries eventually signed a trade deal that was meant to lead to more trade talks down the line.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Does your party have a disdain problem in talking down to working class voters in particular?
—CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024
Gargoyles Few cartoons are as recognized for their mature storytelling as Gargoyles, a prime example of not talking down to a young audience.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talk down
Dictionary Entries Near talk down
Cite this Entry
“Talk down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talk%20down. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share