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.

They know when they’re being patronized, even if they don’t always say it.

From Salon • Nov. 5, 2025

At one point, teammate Kiké Hernández playfully patronized the right-handed pitcher, telling him the misplaced pitches shouldn’t make him feel bad.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2024

She said the East was largely misunderstood by West Germans — belittled, patronized and often ignored.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Everyone, it seemed, from local walkers and workers to people preparing to board cruise ships patronized Ralph’s.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Even tourists seldom patronized the meter because the rest of the “plaza,” not to mention all the dusty side streets in town, were open to their monstrous automotive freakshows.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols