1
as in to condescend
to assume or treat with an air of superiority
a director with an unpleasant habit of patronizing even his most gifted actors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to endorse
to promote the interests or cause of
a company that loyally patronizes the arts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patronize
Even better, the volunteer-run nonprofit store on Oak Street supports the Saratoga Library (which is a good reminder to patronize those, too).
—
Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Losing touch with the American public as well as the Washington political establishment, which often patronized him, Carter retreated to Camp David to consult a wide variety of Americans on why his administration was failing.
—Jonathan Alter, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Instead of being patronizing, creators Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen offer a hilarious and beautifully compassionate window into this particular place, and the people who call it home.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024
Though many are accessible only to those who can patronize a business or afford a ticket for travel.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for patronize 
Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Losing touch with the American public as well as the Washington political establishment, which often patronized him, Carter retreated to Camp David to consult a wide variety of Americans on why his administration was failing.
—Jonathan Alter, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Instead of being patronizing, creators Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen offer a hilarious and beautifully compassionate window into this particular place, and the people who call it home.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024
Though many are accessible only to those who can patronize a business or afford a ticket for travel.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
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However, with this sobriety, a new person is emerging who is critical of and condescending to his siblings and to me.—
Jeanne Phillips,
The Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2025
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With a wealth of period video footage, the movie emphasizes the frequently condescending attention Ride and the five other women in her NASA class encountered.—
Caryn James,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Twenty-five state attorneys general endorsed a request for the U.S. Senate to pass a bill that would permanently categorize fentanyl analogues as drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.—
Ray Lewis,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
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The comedian and podcaster endorsed Trump the day before the election but had previously spoken favorably of Senator Bernie Sanders and criticized Trump in the past.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Allen didn’t push back on that notion but did advocate keeping the store open for one last holiday season.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
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The president’s announcement received immediate support from airline groups that have advocated for an overhaul of the air traffic safety systems.—
Austin Denean,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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It’s been swinging since the Federal Reserve began cutting its main interest rate sharply from September intending to make borrowing cheaper, help the economy and boost prices for stocks, bonds and other investments.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2025
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Then, prune overgrown trees and shrubs, trim tall grasses and weedy areas, mow regularly to keep your lawn cut close, and consider calling a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For example, the USDA invested about $6.6 billion to support rural development between 2017 and 2021, but only about $138 million went to tribal communities.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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In the last 20 years, Intermountain Church Planters, an organization that supports church plants in the Intermountain West, has planted nearly 30 churches this way, including seven in the Treasure Valley, according to data its leaders shared with the Statesman.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
18 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near patronize
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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