paternalistic

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.

Vanguard has historically taken a paternalistic attitude toward its clients, attempting to foster a culture of long-term investing instead of short-term speculation.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

"It may sound paternalistic, but midwives believed they were looking after mums and babies incredibly well."

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

It gets hearty laughs by flattening Russell’s Walker — a tragic Afghanistan veteran confused by the government’s inconsistency about when he’s allowed to kill — into a spoof of bossy, paternalistic privilege.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

Victor III was far more enlightened, but his liberalism was paternalistic, rooted in noblesse oblige.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson