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

Epstein had made donations to Krauss’ Origins Project, part of his larger patronizing of the sciences.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 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

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

As outlandish as this all seems, he has never once been patronizing.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse