Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for patronizing. Search instead for patinizing.
Definitions

patronizing

[pey-truh-nahy-zing, pa-] / ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪ zɪŋ, ˈpæ- /
ADJECTIVE
condescending
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST
humble unconceited


NOUN
condescension
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.

He said it’s patronizing to minorities when critics argue it’s hard for them to get identification.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

You can empathize with your friend without demonizing your own position or patronizing her by saying everything will be OK.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

Also, a 2021 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research documented hostile environments in economics seminars, with female presenters experiencing more interruptions and encountering more patronizing behavior.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

A spokeswoman for Ruemmler said that in her message to Epstein, she was “obviously patronizing him.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

“I’m not sure,” she said, giving me a perfunctory, patronizing smile, “that you’re Princeton material.”

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama




Vocabulary lists containing patronizing


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

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

Take me to Vocabulary.com