as in condescending
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in cutting
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
2
as in endorsing
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 patronizing
Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
Those sentiments aren't constructive and can be rather patronizing.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
All were charged with patronizing prositution while eight people were charged with solicitaion of a minor.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronizing
Adjective
The clearest firebrand of the group is Suzanne (Mia Barron), whose patronizing politeness will eventually give way to rage once her views are challenged.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
Those sentiments aren't constructive and can be rather patronizing.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
Shop In Uptown Put your plastic to good use by patronizing Uptown’s lovely community of small businesses.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
All were charged with patronizing prositution while eight people were charged with solicitaion of a minor.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronizing
Adjective
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Kudos to Tara for keeping her composure as Whelan offers this condescending remark about Libya.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
22 Oct. 2025
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But Chernus talks at us with the condescending zeal of a true music-lover, and his cheeky tirades about the history of jazz — and why Jarrett’s gift for improvisation is unique even in the context of such a freeform genre — are entertaining and educational in equal measure.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In 2022, debris from an underwater volcanic eruption severed the island's only subsea communication cable, cutting the island off from the rest of the world.—
Magdalena Petrova,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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Richard’s motor ran high despite the lopsided score, cutting for two layups and also canning a 3-pointer to put up a quick seven points in the period.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Democrats and Republicans have remained stagnated in negotiations to reopen the government, as Senate Democrats hold out on endorsing a continuing resolution to force a vote on expiring health care subsidies.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
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Former President Barack Obama stopped short of endorsing but called Mamdani over the weekend, offering to be a sounding board.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In the new film, a young Victor (Christian Convery) is raised by a cruel, domineering dad (Charles Dance) but loves his mother (Mia Goth).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Ladd played Lula’s domineering mother and earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Her pro bono work included challenging solitary confinement for extended periods of time and advocating for the inclusion of female baseball players on high school baseball teams.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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Wisconsin childcare providers are advocating for lawmakers to extend funding for the Child Care Counts program.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The first indication that dark energy may not be as dominant as previously thought emerged courtesy of the first results from DESI in Spring 2024.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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While Kalshi and Polymarket remain the dominant players, other challengers are emerging.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Fix the City, the PAC supporting Cuomo’s bid since the primary, spent millions on television ads for the former mayor and against Mamdani.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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Pet Loss At Home, an organization of mobile veterinarians providing end-of-life care in the comfort of home, suggested that people supporting a grieving friend can send memorial gifts and flowers, or print photos of the pet to send along with a personalized card.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Godchaux was a divisive figure among Grateful Dead devotees — many fans were frankly outright disdainful of her presence on stage.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
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He’s been sullen all day, sunk in his collar, his face disdainful.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patronizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronizing. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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