PATRONIZE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

patronize

verb

ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz

Definition of patronize

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

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 Former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also have patronized the tavern. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The new series, too, features a law-enforcement culture where disinterest in gendered violence is the norm, and cops knowingly patronize establishments that traffic underage girls. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Penelope is unable to just govern Ithaca herself and is besieged by the suitors and patronized by her son; Helen is kidnapped by Paris (or is given to him as a prize by Aphrodite or elopes with him), setting off the Trojan War. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 The letter explained in patronizing terms how the English government worked. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patronize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize

Verb

Curry never condescended to material, but consistently elevated scripts by taking them seriously.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
The person who blows up at a subordinate under stress has usually been subtly condescending in one-on-ones for months.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of condescend

Verb

North Carolina Democrats in the state’s House of Representatives cut all ties with one of their candidates running for the state legislature after her past social media posts about violence against Republicans came to light.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026
Krohn put in new sprinklers and fire-safety systems after his last renters moved out a few years ago, then cut a hole between the second and third floors, allowing more light and air to filter through what is now a unified owner’s duplex.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

Drivers appear to largely be on board, and fans have responded as well, even though many advocated for eliminating the end-of-season spotlight entirely in favor of a Premier League-style yearlong title race.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2026
However, a contingent of pro-autonomous vehicle backers, many from a group of 29 organizations that advocated on behalf of Waymo to the CPUC, celebrated the expansion ruling.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

Verb

If the folks in charge really fixed the offensive line, maybe new coach Todd Monken’s offense can create big plays and support a defense that still has top talent.

— Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The documentary is narrated by actor Gary Sinise, whose own direction in life was profoundly affected by the attacks and ultimately inspired the creation of his foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families.

— Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

patronesses

patronize

patronized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of patronize

verb

Example Sentences

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