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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As a young man, he was raised by his domineering father (Charles Dance), who sits with him and teaches him about the sciences.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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More relevant to this show, Ross also directed the fine 2016 film Captain Fantastic, starring Viggo Mortensen as a domineering father who isolates his six children from society.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In a rare move Monday night, the ACC appeared to directly call out Notre Dame in a social media post, comparing the teams’ resumes and advocating for Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes, not Marcus Freeman’s Irish, to be in the top 10 heading into the second installment of rankings on Tuesday.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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Hamady’s story is a relatable look at the confusing path many women walk to get answers and the importance of advocating for your own health.—
CharlotteFive staff,
Charlotte Observer,
11 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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In 2016, as the Commonwealth moved to censure the Maldives, New Delhi provided diplomatic cover by making the case for engagement over sanctions and supporting the Maldives’ preemptive withdrawal from the organization.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
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 1 Dec. 2025.
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