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condescending

/ˈkɔn.dɪ.sɛnd.ɪŋ/adjective

Talking to or treating people as if they are less intelligent or less important than you.

Example sentences

  • “I hate his condescending tone when he explains simple things.”
  • “She gave a condescending smile when I asked for help.”
  • “Customers complained that the staff were condescending.”

Often with 'to' or 'toward': condescending to new employees. A close synonym is 'patronizing'.

Featured as word of the day on February 15, 2026.

Synonyms for condescending

Antonyms

Find it in: Words to describe a person.

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