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

Some supporters depend on government assistance and patronage networks built under his rule. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Harry also gave up his patronage of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, while Meghan surrendered her patronage of the Royal National Theatre, which her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, handed down to her. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Shortly afterward, Daley named Donovan his head of patronage, with the title of administrative assistant to the mayor. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

The Calvinists weren’t exactly keen on iconography, so church patronage was on the wane, too. — Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026