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 app will bring to the fore true voices endorsed by the fanbases.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Rogan, who has increasingly broken with Trump in recent months after endorsing his 2024 campaign, refrained from explicitly criticizing the president or the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday’s episode.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The organization advocates for bell-to-bell bans that require phones to be stored out of reach, saying stricter rules can improve student and teacher satisfaction.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Cooper also advocated for a change in federal law to speed up the funding distribution.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
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Beijing has spent decades growing its trade ties and bankrolling projects in the region, to boost transportation links and cut energy costs – cementing its own influence along the way.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The designer honors his Azerbaijani heritage, working with artisans from across Azerbaijan and Georgia to create rich, unique textures, while helping to support rural communities and preserve fading artisanal skills.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
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Democrats have vowed not to support the funding measure unless there are guardrails placed on the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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