1
as in to stoop
to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity
I will not condescend to answer the sore loser's charge that I cheated in order to win the race
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2
as in to patronize
to assume or treat with an air of superiority
wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations
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Recent Examples of condescend
Petey the Cat abandons Lil Petey on the street, and Grampa Petey is condescending and steals from his son.
—
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025
Language There’s some condescending language and talk around doing evil.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025
Ramaswamy’s condescending attitude toward Americans is interesting.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2025
Be mindful of your audience’s level of knowledge, and tailor your language accordingly to bridge gaps without sounding condescending.
—Jane Hanson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025
Language There’s some condescending language and talk around doing evil.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025
Ramaswamy’s condescending attitude toward Americans is interesting.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2025
Be mindful of your audience’s level of knowledge, and tailor your language accordingly to bridge gaps without sounding condescending.
—Jane Hanson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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