- present participle of patronize.
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.
I think there’s nothing cooler than when you meet an artist who had a storied career and they seem completely down to earth and easy to talk to, and not condescending or patronizing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026
Travel is great, and I love patronizing restaurants opened by immigrant chefs who send enticing smells and savory dishes out of their kitchens.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026
You know how we adults are inclined to respond to such unbridled optimism: With patronizing pats on the head.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 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
Amaka smiled into the mirror, a thin, patronizing smile that seemed to say I should not have bothered lying to her.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Vocabulary lists containing patronizing
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The Hunger Games
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