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Showing results for patronage.
Definitions

patronage

[pey-truh-nij, pa‑] / ˈpeɪ trə nɪdʒ, ˈpæ‑ /
NOUN
support of a cause
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aegis auspices backing encouragement financing sponsorship subsidy
STRONG
advocacy aid assistance benefaction championship grant guardianship help promotion protection recommendation support
Antonyms
STRONG
attack blockage disapproval discouragement harm hindrance hurt injury obstruction opposition stop
WEAK
antagonism competition detraction humility modesty
NOUN
business done at an establishment
Synonyms
STRONG
buying clientage clientele commerce custom shopping trade trading traffic
Antonyms
WEAK
antagonism competition detraction humility modesty opposition
NOUN
condescension
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cronyism
STRONG
civility deference deigning disdain insolence patronizing stooping sufferance toleration
WEAK
patronization
Antonyms
STRONG
respect
WEAK
antagonism competition detraction humility modesty opposition

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.

But the Italian enjoyed the patronage of cardinals and popes; Noguchi had to contend with the likes of Robert Moses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Some argued that it only stayed afloat because of official patronage, which fell away after Mugabe's ousting.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Goldsworthy restored farm buildings under the patronage of David Ross, co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, and has turned them into works of art.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Basically what the shah ran inside Iran was a vast patronage system.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

“Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this? ‘This young gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal can most desire,—splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen