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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of patronize
Will all of the people who loudly protested the new logo patronize Cracker Barrel more often?
—
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
All were charged with patronizing prositution while eight people were charged with solicitaion of a minor.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
At Vanguard Studios, in Mumbai, Sheth came upon drawers full of glass negatives, receptacles for the countless unnamed sitters who’d once patronized the establishment.
—M. Z. Adnan, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
The last thing needed in Chicago, which isn’t as economically healthy as Washington was prior to Trump’s strongman maneuvers, is discouraging more people from patronizing bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as other attractions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
All were charged with patronizing prositution while eight people were charged with solicitaion of a minor.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
At Vanguard Studios, in Mumbai, Sheth came upon drawers full of glass negatives, receptacles for the countless unnamed sitters who’d once patronized the establishment.
—M. Z. Adnan, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
The last thing needed in Chicago, which isn’t as economically healthy as Washington was prior to Trump’s strongman maneuvers, is discouraging more people from patronizing bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as other attractions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
Almost all of the account’s posts right now are mimicking Donald Trump’s distinct tweeting style, replete with condescending nicknames, weirdly formal phrasing, and multiple-exclamation-point bluster.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
20 Aug. 2025
-
These can often be perceived as condescending, disguising advice within a seemingly innocuous question.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The questions the panel will vote on have not been disclosed, but speculation has run high that the panel will endorse drastic changes to the current immunization recommendations, including the guidance to immunize newborns against hepatitis B.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In June, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices endorsed flu vaccines for most people.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kirk emerged as one of the most pivotal figures in the conservative movement over recent years, co-founding the nonprofit Turning Point USA and becoming an ally to Trump after advocating to mobilize the youth vote for the GOP nominee.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Set two years after the little robot lady went on a murderous rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of AI.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Others have cut bills by a factor of five.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Jobless claims hit their highest level since 2021 last week, adding to recent labor market revisions that have fueled confidence the Fed will cut rates in September.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
With this historic achievement, Tillman now extends that legacy to supporting actor in a drama.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Adolescence was a big winner on the night, also taking best limited series as well as Erin Doherty winning best supporting actress and Owen Cooper becoming the youngest-ever winner for best supporting actor in a limited series.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share