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
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
Eigenberger said the public can also support by patronizing the business, which will remain open during regular business hours even through the extreme cold this weekend.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Fast food chains may require workers to make diners feel valued and welcome, and certainly many customers see merit in patronizing an establishment where service comes with a smile.
—Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
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
Eigenberger said the public can also support by patronizing the business, which will remain open during regular business hours even through the extreme cold this weekend.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Fast food chains may require workers to make diners feel valued and welcome, and certainly many customers see merit in patronizing an establishment where service comes with a smile.
—Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 16 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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United Domestic Workers, a union partly founded by Cesar Chavez that represents over 200,000 home care and child care workers statewide, said Wednesday that its executive board had voted to endorse Tom Steyer, a San Francisco climate change activist.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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Then-candidate Vice President Kamala Harris quickly endorsed the campaign promise.—
Luke Garrett,
NPR,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Prior to his death, the actor channeled his personal experiences with the condition to portray a firefighter living with ALS on TV and advocated for legislation related to the condition.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The two discussed Dane's acting career, living with and advocating for ALS, but mostly, Dane's resilience through hardships and love for his family.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This week’s spat in Belgium came soon after the US ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, announced on February 5 that the US would cut ties with Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the speaker of Poland’s lower parliament, the Sejm.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Superintendent Brian Yearwood originally proposed cutting academic instructional coaches as part of a plan to address a $188 million deficit in the 2026-27 budget.—
Kathryn Muchnick,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Knight will be at her now-fiancée’s 1500m race Friday to support Bowe.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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