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
Piland said that measures the council took such as issuing gift cards to encourage people to patronize downtown businesses was a step in the right direction but didn’t go far enough.
—
Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
There’s nothing condescending about defending migrants.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
This phrase is typically dismissive, condescending, and a little bit haughty, even when intended as humor.—
John Bowe,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Millions of people watch the Olympic Games, and every logo shown on screen sends a message about what aligns with Olympic values, and what the Olympic movement chooses to endorse.—
Ukaleq Slettemark,
Time,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Bass supported Raman during her successful 2024 reelection bid, and just weeks before announcing her mayoral run, Raman endorsed Bass for reelection.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Some philosophers and activists advocate for pet abolition, arguing that treating any animals as property is ethically indefensible.—
Margret Grebowicz,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Early birds insist a morning cardio burst is superior, while night owls may advocate for a nighttime strength training session.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the men's singles final in figure skating, the NBC telecast just cut to a shot of American Max Naumov, who was juggling a soccer ball.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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Catherine’s brother Hindley, a vicious bully whose abuse is part of what drives Cathy and Heathcliff so closely together, is cut entirely, his role combined with Catherine’s father.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
13 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 18 Feb. 2026.
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