Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for paternalism. Search instead for paternalisms.
Definitions

paternalism

[puh-tur-nl-iz-uhm] / pəˈtɜr nlˌɪz əm /
NOUN
patronizing
Synonyms
Antonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cooper said there is a need for "partnership not paternalism", with the UK seeking to be "an investor not just a donor" to help other countries "attract finance, not be dependent on aid".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

"The decision to end life must rest with the patient," he argued, adding that medical paternalism long ago took a back seat in Canada.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

A legacy of paternalism has characterized our approach to addiction treatment in the U.S.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2025

Aid became a bastion of paternalism or, as some came to see it, neocolonialism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

And he did it all out of the goodness of his heart, without any trace of condescension or paternalism.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane




Vocabulary lists containing paternalism


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "paternalism" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com