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
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
At Manhattan’s Metropolis Vintage—a sprawling destination that has been patronized by A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, and Drake—that legacy is on full display.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026
While the construction industry is the most directly affected, other parts of the region’s economy also are feeling the pinch, including restaurants patronized by workers, real estate agents and some retailers.
—Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026
Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2026
At Manhattan’s Metropolis Vintage—a sprawling destination that has been patronized by A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, and Drake—that legacy is on full display.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026
While the construction industry is the most directly affected, other parts of the region’s economy also are feeling the pinch, including restaurants patronized by workers, real estate agents and some retailers.
—Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
In the dream, Moffo rebukes Minnelli for being condescending.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The suppurating contempt Sheridan feels for the Big Apple oozes its way through much of the series, its condescending pus infecting stunning vistas, swelling musical compositions and at least one award-worthy performance, courtesy of Michelle Pfeiffer.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Pentagon originally endorsed the ROTOR Act in December after the Senate passed the legislation.—
Olivia Rinaldi,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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And, for the record, Wendy's endorses the practice of dipping salty fries into sweet Frostys.—
Bob Vitale,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The houses of worship bill, which Speaker Julie Menin strongly advocated for, passed with a veto-proof majority, so pursuing a veto would likely be futile.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
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The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan think tank, has advocated for something similar, recently proposing a plan that would allow the government to nimbly navigate its stressed budget the next time the economy enters a downturn.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The newscast cut the bodycam footage after his entry to protect her identity, but Vogel proudly said there was no cause for concern.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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In April 2009, a unanimous council — including first-year member Todd Gloria — embraced Sanders’ plan to impose a 6% cut in pay and benefits for city workers, cutting the shortfall in half.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This is the time to nourish habits that support your focus.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
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These small changes reduce waste, limit plastic use, and support a more mindful lifestyle without sacrificing convenience, helping both your home and the environment over time.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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