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
Staff are well-trained and proactive without being patronizing, and the hotel’s smaller scale makes navigation easy.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
As that reopening date nears, some longtime residents have waxed nostalgic over its legacy as a beacon of entertainment in a community that was barred from patronizing other theaters in North Texas.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
According to a press release, more than 82 million passengers patronized Denver's airport.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
By the turn of the 21st century, ordinary Iranians were patronizing internet cafés—Tehran alone had about 1,500 by 2001—and meeting in online chat rooms.
—Nahid Siamdoust, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
As that reopening date nears, some longtime residents have waxed nostalgic over its legacy as a beacon of entertainment in a community that was barred from patronizing other theaters in North Texas.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
According to a press release, more than 82 million passengers patronized Denver's airport.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
By the turn of the 21st century, ordinary Iranians were patronizing internet cafés—Tehran alone had about 1,500 by 2001—and meeting in online chat rooms.
—Nahid Siamdoust, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
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Being condescending, far from being a virtue, is universally acknowledged as a vice.—
Timothy J. Pawl,
The Conversation,
23 Feb. 2026
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But Herzog never judges or condescends to Treadwell, even if his involvement in documenting the fallout becomes increasingly complicated.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The White House had endorsed that approach Monday.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé unveiled a major reshuffling of his cabinet on Tuesday, retaining just five ministers in a new government largely consisting of untested figures endorsed by political parties and groups that recently signed a sweeping national accord.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Outside of nursing, Gibson spent her life advocating for Coconut Grove residents during a time of rapid gentrification, developing nonprofits that advocate for businesswomen and the health and wellness of communities.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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Fans and historic-preservation advocates Richard Schave and Kim Cooper of the local tour group Esotouric posted multiple updates on the fate of the former stall, including the preservation of its hanging menu board.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sam Bennett scored with 35 seconds left to cut the deficit back to one but Florida could get no closer.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2026
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That deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear program by, among other things, cutting enrichment levels and reducing centrifuges, took effect in 2016 and was due to expire 10 years after it was adopted.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The actor's other film credits include supporting roles in the 2009 Renée Zellweger comedy My One and Only and the 2019 Uzo Aduba comedy Miss Virginia.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Feb. 2026
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Ahead of each collection, Gassanoff partners with institutions like Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, or Capital Culture House in Rome, to secure funds in order to spotlight and financially support the artisan communities that produce his pieces, hence the brand name.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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