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
Adam Brown, who once worked for the city’s Law Department, was busted April 10 for third-degree rape, patronizing a minor for prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child.
—
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
This boycott urges consumers to avoid patronizing major stores and restaurants, instead spending money at local businesses.
—Nicquel Terry Ellis and Eva McKend, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
June did not wither when patronized by Lawrence, though, and as the friendship between Moss and Whitford deepened, so did the relationship between the handmaid and the commander, which was being written as the show went along.
—Trish Deitch, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Don’t patronize the big cruise ships.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
This boycott urges consumers to avoid patronizing major stores and restaurants, instead spending money at local businesses.
—Nicquel Terry Ellis and Eva McKend, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
June did not wither when patronized by Lawrence, though, and as the friendship between Moss and Whitford deepened, so did the relationship between the handmaid and the commander, which was being written as the show went along.
—Trish Deitch, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Don’t patronize the big cruise ships.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
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González is a fountain of knowledge but also a great educator, explaining things in detail without being pretentious or condescending.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Her colleagues are mostly interchangeable white guys whose attitudes toward her presence range from condescending to hostile.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
12 May 2025
Verb
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That ruling was advisory, but it was endorsed overwhelmingly by the United Nations General Assembly.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
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During a news conference before the vote, Mayor Melvin Carter voiced his support for the new names, which were recommended by Minnesota’s Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and endorsed by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission.—
Nick Woltman,
Twin Cities,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Experts say that lessons learned from attempts to preserve more challenging, international historical sites on Earth shows there's a critical need to advocate for global cooperation and policy frameworks now — before irreversible damage occurs.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
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In the following decades, numerous labor priests, such as John A. Ryan, George G. Higgins, Philip A. Carey, Joseph F. Donnelly, and Charles Owen Rice, led the way in advocating for workers.—
Time,
Time,
29 May 2025
Verb
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In a series of posts on social media, the National Weather Service warned that that twisters could be cutting across the central and southern part of the metro.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Amanda Hollins: With 15 years in law enforcement, Hollins’s vision for Kennedale includes strengthening community infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enhancing organizational efficiency, empowering future leaders, and advocating for ethical leadership.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 May 2025
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Tribal management could protect biodiversity and support traditional use.—
Emma Marris,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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