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
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
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
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
Those sentiments aren't constructive and can be rather patronizing.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
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
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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With both Democratic ranking members endorsing them, the bills are likely to pass with wide bipartisan support.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Jan. 2026
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The Democratic Governors Association, the arm of the Democratic Party focused on electing Democratic governors, released a statement on Monday praising Walz for his work without endorsing any other potential candidates.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That premonition rings true when his parents (Tara Buckman, Geoff Hansen) are slaughtered by a carjacker dressed as Old Saint Nick himself (Charles Dierkop) just hours later, condemning the toddler into further moral compass trauma at an orphanage run by a domineering Mother Superior nun from Hell.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Dec. 2025
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Orgon’s only ally is his domineering parade float of a mother, Madame Pernelle (the Bianca del Rio), who sails onto the stage in high dudgeon at the top of the play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Lucille Horn — who survived premature birth thanks to early medical innovation — spent her later years advocating for neonatal care, helping countless children.—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
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Kevin is also pursuing justice on behalf of his children by advocating for stronger child welfare laws and pushing for regulations on the life coaching industry in Utah, according to The Salt Lake Tribune and KUTV.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Eighty years later, Adolph’s conclusions about the impossibility of adapting to dehydration are still the dominant view.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If your money wasn’t involved in supporting the Dallas Cowboys show, all of it may be funny, instead of just flat, sad, and a bad joke.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
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The companies said the robotaxi is designed to deliver a premium passenger experience while supporting large-scale autonomous deployment.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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 10 Jan. 2026.
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