Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for patronizing. Search instead for patronsing.
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.

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

Xavier is much older than she is and seems, frankly, somewhat stupid and patronizing, but the narrator is nevertheless tormented by her feelings for him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

The late Norman Lear, who produced “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times” alongside “Sanford,” sounds a little patronizing, or perhaps just defensive, on the subject of not using Black writers on his Black shows.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2025

“Please don’t play those patronizing games with me. Not now. Not with my mother.”

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben




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