patronizing

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.

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

A system that sells a triumph of courage regardless of outcome risks patronizing women athletes, rather than respecting their actual achievements.

From Slate • Jun. 28, 2025

She gives me a patronizing look, the way people sometimes look at children when they act too adult, and snatches the flag from the branch.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth