patronize

verb

ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz How to pronounce patronize (audio)
Definition of patronizenext
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

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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

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 Lee and his Burning co-writer Oh Jung-mi resist what might have been the first instinct of many filmmakers by refusing to make Ye-ji and Sang-woo overly patronizing rich jerks. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 Steinem set out to expose the working conditions and interior lives of the bunnies slinging booze to the playboys who patronized the club. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 As early as the 1920s, Coco Chanel patronized Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes company, famously designing the costumes for Le Train Bleu, choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska and premiered in 1924. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 Beaverbrook is a five-star country house hotel that was once patronized by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and other 20th-century celebrities. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
  1. condescend
  2. endorse
  3. cut
  4. advocate
  5. support
Verb
  • Under his purview, the brand has had to execute a tricky dance—to be sexy without being prurient, playful without being cheesy, desirable without being condescending.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • As the government prosecutor, Norwegian actor Christian Rubeck gives a smug and condescending tone to nearly every word out of his mouth, becoming the closest thing the movie has to a villain.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of condescend
Verb
  • Just days after it was reported that her DSA-LA endorsement might be rescinded, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a Democrat who was once served as the vice president of her college’s Republican club, endorsed Raman’s candidacy.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Former baseball star Mark Teixeira, who is running for Congress in Texas, endorsed the Republican candidate challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of endorse
Verb
  • The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Later that month, Achilles, a university lecturer, cut a campaign ad in the spirit of a tongue-in-cheek corporate training video on how to avoid starting a foreign war.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • Both opposed ending the Gaza war, both are advocating for Israeli settlements in Gaza, and both envision full annexation of and Jewish control over the West Bank.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The groups actively advocated for a bill that pushing for greater transparency on the implementation of campus protest rules at California’s public universities.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of advocate
Verb
  • More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

patronesses
patronize
patronized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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