patronize

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verb

Definition of PATRONIZE

1

to assume or treat with an air of superiority <a director with an unpleasant habit of patronizing even his most gifted actors>

Synonyms lord (it over), patronize, talk down (to)

Related Words cold-shoulder, cut, high-hat, slight, snub; queen (it over)

2

to promote the interests or cause of <a company that loyally patronizes the arts>

Synonyms advocate, back, champion, endorse (also indorse), patronize, plump (for), plunk (for) or plonk (for)

Related Words adopt, embrace, espouse; abet, aid, assist, help, prop (up), second, side (with); backstop, bolster, boost, buttress, reinforce (also reenforce); advance, forward, further; plug, preach, talk up; bail out, deliver, rescue, save

Near Antonyms baffle, foil, frustrate, interfere, oppose, sabotage, thwart; desert, disappoint, fail, let down