CONDESCENSION Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

condescension

noun

Definition of condescension

as in arrogance

the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people The author discusses the politics of the region without condescension.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of condescension His condescension toward his mother surely represents patriarchal attitudes of the period. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026 Even more than his spelling book, Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language was an attempt to fashion the materials for writers to address that sort of condescension. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 But condescension has done Bellini’s reputation more harm than hostility ever could. — Arya Roshanian, The New York Review of Books, 6 June 2026 His presence elevates scripts that can be expository to the point of condescension, introducing ambiguity where it’s needed most. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for condescension

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condescension

Noun

What might seem arrogance in others feels merely reasonable coming from her.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Ashcroft shares further thoughts about Frank’s disdain for Francis Jr.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disdain

Noun

One side is struggling to turn military superiority into lasting political gains, while the other may need only to survive to claim victory.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
The protagonist is legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, depicted as a young samurai who arrives in Kyoto determined to prove his superiority with the blade.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

Zilisch’s dominance led to comparisons with three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, who won on the series as a 19-year-old rookie, and two-time champion Kyle Busch, who won twice as a 20-year-old in his first full season.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
In order to maintain our economic dominance, tough choices will have to be made by all interested parties including future presidents, Congress and, most importantly, the American people.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominance

Noun

Prospects of higher rates are also denting investors sentiment, after Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled that a possible rate hike was on the table, warning that inflation was still above target.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
In his inaugural Jackson Hole speech as chairman, Warsh warned that persistent inflation may necessitate further monetary tightening.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inflation

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condescends

condescension

condign

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescension. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of condescension

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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