patronage

noun

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pa·tron·age | \ ˈpa-trə-nij

, ˈpā-

Definition of patronage

1 : advowson

2 : the support or influence of a patron the patronage of science by universities

3 : kindness done with an air of superiority The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.

4 : business or activity provided by patrons the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage

5a : the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies— H. K. Beale

b : the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.

c : jobs distributed by patronage the government's vast network of patronage

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About patronage

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Synonyms for patronage

Synonyms

Examples of patronage in a Sentence

The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds. They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital. The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses. a system of political patronage

Recent Examples on the Web These relationships and the family’s patronage helped transform Ahmedabad into a center for education, arts and design. — New York Times, 23 Sep. 2021 An infamous local character, Curley’s four non-consecutive terms as Boston’s chief executive in the 20th century were filled with allegations of corruption and patronage and interrupted by a stint in prison. — Joe Walsh, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 To that end, earning a spot on the list would be met with unyielding appreciation in the form of incredible TV visuals, a surge in bar/restaurant patronage and a lively downtown scene at a time of year the city could use it. — Nick Dimarco, baltimoresun.com, 20 Sep. 2021 Rather, the goals were to replace a system based heavily on patronage and nepotism, to treat people as individuals rather than as members of groups, and to distribute opportunities according to ability and talent. — Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2021 As the story goes, the old master found a kindred soul in the young king, whose patronage would be all but unconditional. — BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2021 However, the obstacles are still formidable because the Lebanese political system is built on the divvying up of patronage and state resources. — Mohamad Bazzi, CNN, 3 Aug. 2021 Today’s brands insert themselves into current events, align themselves with causes, associate patronage of their businesses with virtue and discernment and success. — Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2021 Experimenting with new digital art forms and technology seems, to Yanko, like a new way for artists to find meaningful support and patronage. — Akili King, Vogue, 11 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patronage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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