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 Penelope is unable to just govern Ithaca herself and is besieged by the suitors and patronized by her son; Helen is kidnapped by Paris (or is given to him as a prize by Aphrodite or elopes with him), setting off the Trojan War. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Generations of Argentines have patronized Mercado Buenos Aires. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 The letter explained in patronizing terms how the English government worked. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for patronize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronize
  1. condescend
  2. endorse
  3. cut
  4. advocate
  5. support
Verb
  • The person who blows up at a subordinate under stress has usually been subtly condescending in one-on-ones for months.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • When the two first meet in a dressing room during the pilot, Jaymes is gracious while Barnes is condescending.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of condescend
Verb
  • Two Republicans in Florida's House delegation have endorsed Mills' challenger, Ryan Elijah, a former local television anchor.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Russell Fry endorses ex-rival Darline Graham after failing to advance to special GOP US Senate primary runoff.
    — , FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of endorse
Verb
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving showerheads cut water consumption, and LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances lower overall energy use.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – which is needed by approximately 45% of the population – has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban returned to power, with women and girls bearing the brunt of those cuts.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • In the two years since the accident, Alicia, 35, has taken on the role of caregiver for her 37-year-old husband, supporting his therapy exercises, managing appointments and advocating for him within the medical system.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Immigration advocates’ concerns about this second contract announcement focussed on whether the organization was capable of filling that gap.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of advocate
Verb
  • That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The distinctive frame already resembles the aircraft that will eventually soar through Titan’s dense orange skies, complete with landing skids, support arms for its eight rotors and the housing for its nuclear power system.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patronize

Nglish: Translation of patronize for Spanish Speakers

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