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
Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
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
With no food trucks on the site, visitors patronized local restaurants and watering holes on the street and at the San Pedro Square Market food pavilion.
—Todd Inoue, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
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
With no food trucks on the site, visitors patronized local restaurants and watering holes on the street and at the San Pedro Square Market food pavilion.
—Todd Inoue, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 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
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The president had endorsed Jon Maples for Florida state House District 87 in Palm Beach County over Democrat Emily Gregory.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
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Additionally, even traditionally influential organizations like the California Federation of Unions have been unable to coalesce around a single Democratic candidate, instead endorsing four separate candidates and signaling the party’s fundamental fragmentation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The group advocates that data center development be done in a responsible, more regulated way.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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Politicians and activists across the political spectrum have instead advocated for states’ ability to regulate AI in the absence of meaningful federal action regarding the fast-moving technology.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The fear, Webster said, can make young athletes avoid sport-specific movements like cutting or jumping even after physical clearance.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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Worries have gotten so high that traders have canceled nearly all their bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates this year, according to data from CME Group.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city manager is also evaluating whether the current site could support private development.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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These oils are rich in naturally occurring aromatic compounds that support relaxation, focus, skin cleansing and even natural home cleaning.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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