paternalistic

[puh-tur-nl-is-tik] / pəˌtɜr nlˈɪs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

in the manner of an overbearing father

Synonyms

STRONGEST

condescending patronizing

WEAK

dismissive oppressive

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.

It said the current system requiring approval from two doctors was "anachronistic, paternalistic and failed to reflect best modern practice".

From BBC

“The evidence shows that the more a patient gets involved in their own care, the better the outcomes. In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s lots of paternalistic Daddy talk these days that centers on the need to “protect the American people.”

From Salon

Many social media users criticised the ban as sexist, invasive, and paternalistic.

From BBC