Synonyms of patronize

patronize

verb

ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz 

1

as in to condescend

to assume or treat with an air of superiority

a director with an unpleasant habit of patronizing even his most gifted actors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• condescend
• lord (it over)
• cut
• talk down (to)
• slight
• queen (it over)
• snub
• cold-shoulder
• high-hat

2

as in to endorse

to promote the interests or cause of

a company that loyally patronizes the arts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• endorse
• advocate
• support
• adopt
• embrace
• help
• champion
• back
• assist
• stand up for
• go in for
• aid
• stick up for
• plunk (for)
• hold a brief for
• reinforce
• plump (for)
• plonk (for)
• go to bat for
• preach
• espouse
• save
• abet
• bolster
• forward
• rescue
• further
• buttress
• second
• side (with)
• prop (up)
• advance
• boost
• bail out
• backstop
• plug
• talk up
• deliver

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• oppose
• interfere
• thwart
• frustrate
• sabotage
• fail
• disappoint
• let down
• desert
• baffle
• foil

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of patronize

But ultimately, there’s nothing more appealing than a straight guy who can genuinely queen out about the important things in life (the aforementioned celeb goss, duh) without zoning out or seeming patronizing. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2026

They are patronized by families on their third and fourth generations. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026

Many were independently wealthy and patronized the arts and architecture. —Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026

Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2026