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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

A spokeswoman for Ruemmler said that in her message to Epstein, she was “obviously patronizing him.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

But those successes are also what make the Netflix-ification of this film feel so completely unnecessary and patronizing.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

There was nothing patronizing about how Casa Bonita depicted Mexicans — no garish gifts, no mock Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025

Too many connectives can make it seem as if an author is belaboring the obvious or patronizing the reader, and it can give prose a pedantic feel.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker




Vocabulary lists containing patronizing


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