Meaning & use
patronized
Last updated
Treated someone in a way that seems kind but is actually condescending, or regularly gave business to a shop or establishment.
See it in a sentence
The customer felt patronized when the clerk explained the obvious in a slow, simple voice.
The family had patronized the same bakery for three generations.
A note on using this word
Has two very different meanings: treating someone as inferior, or being a regular customer; context makes clear which is meant.
Words with a similar meaning
condescended tosupported
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
Gave regular financial support or business to a person or place.
Wealthy donors patronized the arts throughout the city's history.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “patronized”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.