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Definitions

descend

[dih-send] / dɪˈsɛnd /
VERB
move down, lower
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cascade collapse crash dip disembark dive go down penetrate plummet plunge settle sink slide stumble subside swoop trickle tumble
STRONG
coast crouch decline deplane detrain dismount dribble drop fall gravitate ground incline light pitch plop prolapse set slant slope slump stoop submerge toboggan topple trip weep
WEAK
cataract cave in fall prostrate get down get off lose balance slough off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend go up grow increase leave rise
STRONG
even level mount pour straighten
VERB
condescend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
degenerate deteriorate
STRONG
concede patronize stoop
WEAK
abase oneself humble oneself lower oneself
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop improve
WEAK
ascend go up increase rise
VERB
trace ancestry from; be passed or handed down
Synonyms
STRONGEST
proceed
STRONG
arise derive issue originate spring
Antonyms
WEAK
ascend go up increase rise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To avoid a crash, the lead aircraft tried to rapidly descend.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The stranded group were able to descend after about 30 minutes, according to local media.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

He simply hoped to find the strength to descend to an altitude with softer beds, more oxygen and higher temperatures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The astronauts will require a second vehicle to descend to the moon's surface, a lunar lander that remains under development by rival space companies owned by billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

As I descend, the fragment of outside light vanishes as I fall into the darkness.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Vocabulary lists containing descend

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How Low Can You Go? Synonyms for "Downward"

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