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
But ultimately, there’s nothing more appealing than a straight guy who can genuinely queen out about the important things in life (the aforementioned celeb goss, duh) without zoning out or seeming patronizing.
—
Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2026
They are patronized by families on their third and fourth generations.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
Many were independently wealthy and patronized the arts and architecture.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026
Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2026
They are patronized by families on their third and fourth generations.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
Many were independently wealthy and patronized the arts and architecture.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026
Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
That is, until she’s condescended by her chic coworker Emily (Emily Blunt), admonished by Miranda, and given a makeover by Runway art director Nigel (Stanley Tucci).—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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The dedicated cast never condescends.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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Five House Democrats—including candidates in New York, New Jersey, California, and Virginia—were recently endorsed by Leading the Future.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Conservatives advocating for a colorblind interpretation are cheering the decision, but liberal critics maintain this decision will dilute Black and Hispanic representation in Congress.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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Thomas thanked Gary Mayor Eddie Melton for his dedication to increasing homeownership in the city and for advocating for Black residents and families.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Verb
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At the same time, Bass has proposed cutting entirely the Animal Services Department’s annual budget for food, which was $200,000 last year, and also slashing the medical supplies budget to $49,000, from $388,000 last year.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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But now that the post-pandemic boom has well and truly gone bust, just showing up with a great looking timepiece isn’t going to cut it.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Several players supported the club’s decision.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
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According to the complaint, detectives attributed statements to Hardin suggesting the killing was part of a ritual, despite no independent evidence to support that claim.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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