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paternalistic

[puh-tur-nl-is-tik] / pəˌtɜr nlˈɪs tɪk /
ADJECTIVE
in the manner of an overbearing father
Synonyms


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.

See Examples For:

"They're preying on people who have maybe a bit sympathetic, slightly paternalistic view of Down syndrome," he said.

From Barron's Jun. 18, 2026

“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 Oct. 3, 2025

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

From Salon Sep. 10, 2025

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

From BBC Jun. 7, 2025

Lawes ran his prison in a paternalistic way that had a warmth we would not recognize today.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover



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