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
1
as in condescending
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 patronize
ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Biddle’s letter joined a groundswell of support from citizens ranging from unemployed artists to Roosevelt’s own advisers, encouraging the US government to similarly patronize the arts for public benefit.
—John P. Murphy, ARTnews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
By the turn of the 21st century, ordinary Iranians were patronizing internet cafés—Tehran alone had about 1,500 by 2001—and meeting in online chat rooms.
—Nahid Siamdoust, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Verb
In Minneapolis, meat raffles are held each Friday night in the 1029 Bar, a spot often patronized by police officers.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Biddle’s letter joined a groundswell of support from citizens ranging from unemployed artists to Roosevelt’s own advisers, encouraging the US government to similarly patronize the arts for public benefit.
—John P. Murphy, ARTnews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
As that reopening date nears, some longtime residents have waxed nostalgic over its legacy as a beacon of entertainment in a community that was barred from patronizing other theaters in North Texas.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
By the turn of the 21st century, ordinary Iranians were patronizing internet cafés—Tehran alone had about 1,500 by 2001—and meeting in online chat rooms.
—Nahid Siamdoust, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
Verb
-
Our tone of voice is conversational, not condescending.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
Ross described strict rules and constant shouting from guards and condescending treatment at the detention facility in Louisiana.—
Jade le Deley,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Crosby, a deputy city attorney endorsed by the county Democratic Party, had sent mailers contending Bailey’s promises to reduce city spending would slash funding for parks, libraries and homeless shelters.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
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Last month, in the final stretch of the race to replace her, Pelosi endorsed Connie Chan, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and a candidate who had until then struggled to gain traction.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Our tone of voice is conversational, not condescending.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
Ross described strict rules and constant shouting from guards and condescending treatment at the detention facility in Louisiana.—
Jade le Deley,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Even if the previously Bass endorsing Raman withheld support for the Mayor, the bulk of her vote would surely go to the incumbent.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
3 June 2026
-
As Democrats fought to break out of a crowded field, then-candidate Eric Swalwell emerged as a frontrunner, with major political groups and figures like Democratic senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego endorsing his campaign.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
With multiple lawsuits and an impending Supreme Court ruling poised to shape TPS nationwide, advocates hail the Lebanese extension but warn that hundreds of thousands still lack a permanent solution.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Even as a non-member, I’ve been actively engaged in advocating for our community, pushing for stronger mitigation for small businesses, better communication with residents, and a more balanced approach that considers both the importance of transportation and resident needs.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
There is also more cutting required of bloomed flowers to initiate another flush, and more cleaning up and cutting secondary branches in spring.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
-
Barr rightly notes that current capital standards were already near the low end of what academic research identifies as optimal; cutting further tips the balance toward fragility, not strength.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Navratilova has been publicly out since 1981 and spent decades advocating for gay rights.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
-
Beyond advocating better emergency preparedness in the wake of the 2025 fires, Pratt’s messaging has centered on accusing Bass of failing to address homelessness and the rising cost of living, capitalizing on mounting frustration from Angelenos.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The shortstop also rocketed a 441-foot, two-run home run off Giants right-hander Keaton Winn in the eighth to cut San Francisco’s lead to 4-3.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
Based on 2026 opening day figures, eight teams would have to cut payroll to get under the cap.—
Ronald Blum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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