condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən 
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people—
A. J. Anderson
A. J. Anderson2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
Examples of condescension in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This season turns Noah into a smarmier, borderline sociopathic character — far more like Joe from Netflix’s You than anybody is likely to want to admit — whose condescension often became insufferable for me.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
And Lena appreciates that Danny is the only white male colleague who treats her with respect rather than mansplainy condescension.
—Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
But there’s something more to the Kalimotxo, something that seems to be immune to sophomoric tedium or mixological condescension, something that keeps people going back decade after decade.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025
But Russell’s performance was a beam of pure light, burning off any condescension.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescension
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.
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
And Lena appreciates that Danny is the only white male colleague who treats her with respect rather than mansplainy condescension.
—Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
But there’s something more to the Kalimotxo, something that seems to be immune to sophomoric tedium or mixological condescension, something that keeps people going back decade after decade.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025
But Russell’s performance was a beam of pure light, burning off any condescension.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescension
Cite this Entry
“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescension. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən
: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share