Synonyms of patronage

patronage

noun

ˈpa-trə-nij 

1

as in sponsorship

the financial support and general guidance for an undertaking

a symphony orchestra that had long relied upon the patronage of the city's moneyed old guard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sponsorship
• funding
• backing
• subsidy
• aegis
• auspice
• assistance
• financing
• encouragement
• endowment
• bankrolling
• fosterage
• aid
• help

2

as in business

transactions or economic support provided by customers

he refuses to give his patronage to any corporation that is not socially conscious

Synonyms & Similar Words

• business
• custom
• traffic
• trade
• merchandising
• marketplace
• dealings
• affairs
• free trade
• retailing
• horse-trading
• wholesaling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of patronage

There are already signs that Yavarhoussen’s collecting and patronage has had an impact beyond Madagascar. — Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

In the right hands, the Interior Ministry can be a formidable patronage machine, exerting authority over everything from local budgets to Senate elections. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

In September 2025, the Duke of Sussex spoke with British singer Joss Stone at an event for one of his patronages, WellChild. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

Critics say officers from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence, operating under the area’s army command structure, use pressure tactics and patronage to favor candidates who endorse Kashmir’s integration with Pakistan. — Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 2026