condescension

noun

con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən How to pronounce condescension (audio)
Synonyms of condescension
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
… scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people …—A. J. Anderson
2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior

Examples of condescension in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Musk deserved such condescension, and the jurors did not. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026 But when Paul Baran pitched his idea to the company, the response was a mix of skepticism and condescension. — Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026 Along with a lot of simple self-gratification, this panoramic vision contains a lot of condescension. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 2026 Months of subtle condescension, ignored contributions or private pressure are harder to capture. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for condescension

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere — see condescend

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of condescension was in 1647

Rhymes for condescension

See All Rhymes for condescension

Browse Nearby Words

condescendingness
condescension
condictio
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescension. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

condescension

noun
con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən How to pronounce condescension (audio)
: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends

More from Merriam-Webster on condescension

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for condescension

Nglish: Translation of condescension for Spanish Speakers

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