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.

Several people summed up her negotiating style as “I’m right, and you’ll understand why after I explain these three points,” which some feel is patronizing.

From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2022

"To suggest she’ll back down is patronizing and fighting fire – the queen will instead ask her officials to pace her engagements more."

From Fox News • Oct. 21, 2021

Maybe it is patronizing to bare a female co-worker’s secret “for her own good.”

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2017

Reality check 5: Hester is patronizing and rude to her guests.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2016

If he is patronizing, and talks to grown men as a teacher might talk to a class of adolescents, the rug, figuratively, will be pulled from under him.

From The Armed Forces Officer Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-2 by United States. Dept. of Defense