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
Nonetheless, his refusal to grant them free voices renders his very exaltation condescending.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024
In oh, Honey — cleverly named for the exclamation of condescending condolence that the mothers constantly deploy with each other — Sarah originally assembled the lunch bunch by reaching out to fellow moms in her online FACE group.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
All the while, the Jensens (young Julia included) treat her with a shifting mix of condescending paternalism and low-grade hostility.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024
The remarks prompted backlash from Black community leaders and some pundits who viewed the comments as condescending.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for condescend 
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024
In oh, Honey — cleverly named for the exclamation of condescending condolence that the mothers constantly deploy with each other — Sarah originally assembled the lunch bunch by reaching out to fellow moms in her online FACE group.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
All the while, the Jensens (young Julia included) treat her with a shifting mix of condescending paternalism and low-grade hostility.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024
The remarks prompted backlash from Black community leaders and some pundits who viewed the comments as condescending.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for condescend
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Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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