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
Or West Cork, Ireland, a wild and enchanting side of the island that visitors don’t often patronize, or Rabat, Morocco, which is rising as a cultural hub with new museums and a rockin’ summer music festival.
—
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Sure, Pittsburgh Trauma being a teaching hospital naturally lends to scenes of literal instruction, but too often the show pushes past procedural necessity into something distractingly pedantic, even patronizing.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The film’s British production, and its British filmmaker, can’t help but occupy a large section of the movie’s negative space, inviting questions about who and what exactly is being satirized (or perhaps patronized) in this tale of warring desert nations.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Dec. 2025
That includes naming products after local landmarks, encouraging visitors to patronize other local businesses and paying every employee a living wage.
—Mary Ramsey
updated December 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Sure, Pittsburgh Trauma being a teaching hospital naturally lends to scenes of literal instruction, but too often the show pushes past procedural necessity into something distractingly pedantic, even patronizing.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The film’s British production, and its British filmmaker, can’t help but occupy a large section of the movie’s negative space, inviting questions about who and what exactly is being satirized (or perhaps patronized) in this tale of warring desert nations.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Dec. 2025
That includes naming products after local landmarks, encouraging visitors to patronize other local businesses and paying every employee a living wage.
—Mary Ramsey
updated December 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
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Bands like Bikini Kill and Bratmobile aimed wrathful lyrics and gallows humor at a culture of misogyny that plagued their daily lives, from condescending male musicians to abusive fathers.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
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Susannah Fullerton on the French Writer’s Feline Muses La Chatte condescended to live with Colette (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette), born in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, France, in 1873, died in Paris, 1954, novelist, actress and journalist.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The publication also reportedly saw a subscription fall-off after Bezos nixed the Post editorial page efforts to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
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Several other Democrats are contending for the deep-blue seat, including a state lawmaker who was endorsed by Hoyer.—
Hunter Woodall,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September while speaking at a Utah university, established Turning Point USA in 2012 to encourage young people to engage in free speech and advocate for conservative policies.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
6 Feb. 2026
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The letter goes on to also advocate for more long-term investments in making transit a reliable means of getting to San Diego’s most popular destinations.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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More recently, the mayor spoke out against the county’s plan to cut $200 million in homeless services.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Local reports said Ukrainian missiles hit a power plant and an electrical substation, cutting power to parts of the city.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My job is to keep our mission, vision, and commitment to impact front and center and to make sure our staff feel supported and able to stay focused on the work.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Trump supported Milei’s fiscal program last year with a $20-billion credit line that succeeded in calming markets and boosting Milei’s prospects in a crucial midterm election in October.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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