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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of patronage
This week’s missile barrage also made for good PR, especially in Lebanon, where the government has moved to stop Iran’s patronage of Hezbollah and limit its influence on the country’s affairs.
—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
In her account, Richmond indeed emerges as its progenitor—through his theorizing, his behind-the-scenes parliamentary and polemical maneuvering, and his patronage of Thomas Paine.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
The group emerged, with Iranian patronage, from the 1982 Israeli occupation of Beirut.
—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
In 2026 – the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the 180th anniversary of Mary’s patronage – some of that history may feel distant.
—
Bridget Retzloff,
The Conversation,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
In her account, Richmond indeed emerges as its progenitor—through his theorizing, his behind-the-scenes parliamentary and polemical maneuvering, and his patronage of Thomas Paine.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
The group emerged, with Iranian patronage, from the 1982 Israeli occupation of Beirut.
—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
In 2026 – the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the 180th anniversary of Mary’s patronage – some of that history may feel distant.
—
Bridget Retzloff,
The Conversation,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patronage
Noun
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Dior dresses the players for every official appearance—not as a sponsorship decoration but as a statement of aesthetic register.
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Leaders must therefore provide structurally real rewards, like equitable sponsorship, to foster motivation, rather than blaming individual ambition.
Noun
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When small businesses must absorb rising costs in the 10-20% range and can’t raise prices, their ability to make a profit shrinks dramatically.
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As businesses in Hollywood and other sectors face more consolidation and competition, executives are getting richly compensated more for their role in leading companies through challenging times.
Noun
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Meanwhile, the glamorous Chandelier Bar—named for the sparkling custom light installation of some 15,000 crystals that is the centerpiece of the hotel lobby—is the place to sip classic New Orleans libations like the Sazerac and French 75 or a signature Chandelier martini.
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Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patronage. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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