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 There were few international visitors, an absence that has perplexed business owners who banked on hundreds of thousands of new faces to patronize their establishments. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 He was arrested four more times through 2015, pleading guilty on separate occasions to patronizing a prostitute and resisting arrest. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 The result is drivers who never fully bought into the system altering their spending patterns to avoid patronizing Chicago businesses, restaurants and cultural attractions where street parking payment is required. — Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 While women often visited less frequently—due both to distance, travel constraints and the fact that early retail environments were not designed with them in mind, Koehn says—most men at least occasionally patronized general stores, and many of them did so frequently. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
  1. condescend
  2. endorse
  3. cut
  4. advocate
  5. support
Verb
  • Which raises questions about the unwittingly condescending cheers.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Glassman has a reputation for being nasty and condescending to residents who disagree with him.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Definition of condescend
Verb
  • Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who has backed DeSantis at some key moments but also clashed with the governor, also endorsed Donalds last week.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • In December, an FDA panel endorsed TRT for men with low levels and related symptoms.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Definition of endorse
Verb
  • The lineup already was revving, as Rushing homered in the second inning while Sasaki was still in the game, and both Kyle Tucker and Muncy drove in runs off starter Randy Vasquez in the third, cutting the deficit to two.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Potential applications beyond wind energy The researchers believe the manufacturing approach could cut production costs for small wind turbines and help more people use lightweight renewable energy technology.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • Instead of protecting oneself by avoiding risks, the article advocates for embracing curiosity to explore new ideas, experiment with AI, and develop uniquely human skills like critical thinking, communication, and creativity.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The administration also cracked down on student protesters in 2025 for advocating on behalf of Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of advocate
Verb
  • During a 2019-20 artist residency with New York City’s Department of Records and Information Services, Weist mined municipal archives for records revealing how city government had defined, supported and monitored past artists.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Developed by L3Harris Technologies under the Combat Mission Systems Support framework, the system will be operated by the command's Space Delta 3 (DEL 3) – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, with acquisition and sustainment supported by System Delta 89.
    — David Szondy July 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026
Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

patronesses
patronize
patronized
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Cite this Entry

“Patronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patronize

Nglish: Translation of patronize for Spanish Speakers

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