as in condescending
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in cutting
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
2
as in endorsing
to promote the interests or cause of
a company that loyally patronizes the arts
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patronizing
Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
Responses on social media suggested , with many considering his remarks to be disrespectful and patronizing.
—Theo Burman, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
He’s less immediately impressed by her, which feels more realistic and less patronizing.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024
Don’t sound too cheesy or patronizing, be honest, and maintain professionalism.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for patronizing
Adjective
Being cut out of a Malick movie is nothing new, but even in a small role, Clooney is effective as a commanding officer who gives a patronizing speech near the end of The Thin Red Line after our main characters have gone through hell yet again.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
Responses on social media suggested , with many considering his remarks to be disrespectful and patronizing.
—Theo Burman, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
He’s less immediately impressed by her, which feels more realistic and less patronizing.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024
Don’t sound too cheesy or patronizing, be honest, and maintain professionalism.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for patronizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronizing
Adjective
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While a condescending Texan harps about the beach’s current conditions— promising a stern meeting with Borowka in between droughts of a local lager—Douglas tells his story.—
Joe Sills,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
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But that’s a pretty mean and condescending way to give constructive criticism.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Musk’s contributions have ranged from endorsing GB News commentator Alex Armstrong’s call to ban Starmer from office (which is not possible under the UK’s constitution), to commenting on Peters’ work.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2025
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Congress could pass legislation endorsing the proposal, compelling reason or not.—
Michael Wilner,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Since then, he’s portrayed a colorful collection of characters, from a domineering theater owner in Shakespeare in Love to Pirates of the Caribbean’s villain turned hero, Captain Hector Barbossa.—
airmail.news,
airmail.news,
8 Mar. 2025
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All the while, his domineering mother Bunny (played by the late Frances Sternhagen) is determined to stay the number one woman in her son's life.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Within weeks, over one million individuals met with the digital Santa, advocating their right to be on the nice list.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
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Discussions about reforming this program have intensified, with some advocating for the removal of country-specific caps on green cards to address extensive backlogs faced by applicants from countries including India.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Alencar secured four of five takedown attempts and maintained 12:38 of control time en route to the dominant win.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Graduate guard Azzi Fudd, who scored just eight points in UConn’s Elite Eight win against USC, was equally dominant.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Both documents suggest that Marocco was disdainful of aid spent on health care, economic development and programs to promote democracy and human rights.—
Fatma Tanis,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2025
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From above, the figurines almost appear to be grinning, but the face looks disdainful when viewed head-on.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patronizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronizing. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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