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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of patronize
The plan for the community center included Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, building renovations, and a senior center conversion, which would help older Fort Worth residents patronizing the center, according to the agenda item.
—
Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2025
Diverging from the popular makeover show model of switching up subjects each episode, season three of the heartwarming series splits its time between two hotbeds of drag bans, Tennessee and Oklahoma, where the new queens take on neo-Nazis, church elders and one particularly patronizing dad.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Spectacle is one way to get people to show up in person and perhaps patronize other businesses too.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
There’s something inescapably patronizing when parents make this argument.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2025
Diverging from the popular makeover show model of switching up subjects each episode, season three of the heartwarming series splits its time between two hotbeds of drag bans, Tennessee and Oklahoma, where the new queens take on neo-Nazis, church elders and one particularly patronizing dad.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Spectacle is one way to get people to show up in person and perhaps patronize other businesses too.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
There’s something inescapably patronizing when parents make this argument.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
He's introduced to a string of condescending doctors, none of whom agree with him that movies (especially movies about zombies with potty issues) are as important to the planet as medicine.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Garrett’s not in the film for long, but his condescending character certainly makes an impact.—
Maggie Fremont,
EW.com,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
President Joe Biden publicly endorsed and supported health care price transparency.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
On Thursday, former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn endorsed Laesch.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Consistent engagement with local and national policymakers to advocate for transgender rights and protections.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Feeling angry can push you to advocate for your needs and make necessary changes in your life.1 However, long-term anger that is not dealt with can become an issue, affecting your mental health and quality of life.—
Wendy Wisner,
Health,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Will cutting sustainability contribute to losing trust with employees, consumers, and communities?—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Pitino pulled star wing RJ Luis out of the lineup after making two free throws to cut Arkansas’ lead to two points with less than five minutes to play.—
Brendan Quinn,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The investment from Coral Tree will help accelerate the Innovative Artists Entertainment’s expansion by enhancing the resources to support its agents and a growing roster of talent.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Most had lived in the country for many years and worked hard to support their families.—
Lea Skene,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share