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
Relevance
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
The arrival of Max & Helen’s doubles as a reminder to patronize these institutions before more of them disappear.
—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Trade school is often talked about as an alternative to a four-year degree, but the discourse can be patronizing, with jobs in construction framed as an off-ramp for the kids who can’t cut it in real college.
—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
In Minneapolis, meat raffles are held each Friday night in the 1029 Bar, a spot often patronized by police officers.
—
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Biddle’s letter joined a groundswell of support from citizens ranging from unemployed artists to Roosevelt’s own advisers, encouraging the US government to similarly patronize the arts for public benefit.
—
John P. Murphy,
ARTnews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Trade school is often talked about as an alternative to a four-year degree, but the discourse can be patronizing, with jobs in construction framed as an off-ramp for the kids who can’t cut it in real college.
—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
In Minneapolis, meat raffles are held each Friday night in the 1029 Bar, a spot often patronized by police officers.
—
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Biddle’s letter joined a groundswell of support from citizens ranging from unemployed artists to Roosevelt’s own advisers, encouraging the US government to similarly patronize the arts for public benefit.
—
John P. Murphy,
ARTnews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
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Which raises questions about the unwittingly condescending cheers.
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Glassman has a reputation for being nasty and condescending to residents who disagree with him.
Verb
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Schlossberg was endorsed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the 86-year-old Democratic icon who met Schlossberg’s grandfather.
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The democratic socialist endorsed in three competitive House primary matchups, breaking with Democratic leaders by supporting leftist candidates who were unafraid to criticize Israel and push for ambitious economic policies.
Verb
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The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.
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Some analysts expect Apple could benefit as manufacturers of Android devices cut specs or raise prices.
Verb
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Many hawks advocated introducing ground troops, but doing so would have made matters much worse.
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This success has spurred WWE officials to advocate for a significant push for Gable, with strong support for a prominent role at SummerSlam 2026 in his hometown.
Verb
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Create an inner and outer sanctuary that supports your emotional needs.
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Mangione’s lawyers had faced a deadline Thursday to provide prosecutors with information to support the emotional disturbance claim.
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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