sponsor

To give money for an event or activity, often so your company gets advertised.

• A bank sponsors the festival.
• Several companies sponsored our team last year.
• Will your business sponsor the race?

How to use it: sponsor someone to do something (A local shop sponsored her to run the marathon.)

Similar words: fund, finance

Common phrases: sponsor an event, sponsor a team, sponsor someone

To agree to support someone and take responsibility for them, often for an official application.

• Her uncle agreed to sponsor her.
• The firm sponsors workers applying for visas.
• They sponsored a refugee family last year.

How to use it: sponsor someone for something (The company sponsored him for a work visa.)

Similar words: support, back

Common phrases: sponsor someone, sponsor a refugee

To officially propose or support a new law.

• The senator sponsored the bill.
• Two members are sponsoring new housing legislation.
• Who will sponsor this proposal in parliament?

Similar words: back, support

Common phrases: sponsor a bill, sponsor legislation

A person or organization that pays for an event or activity, often in return for advertising.

• We need a sponsor for the concert.
• The team thanked its sponsors after the match.
• Our main sponsor paid for the new equipment.

How to use it: sponsor of something (The bank is the main sponsor of the race.)

Similar words: backer, supporter

Common phrases: corporate sponsor, main sponsor, sponsor of something

A person or organization that agrees to support someone and take responsibility for them.

• Her uncle agreed to be her sponsor.
• Immigrants may need a sponsor who can support them financially.
• His recovery sponsor calls him every week.

How to use it: sponsor for someone (The family agreed to act as a sponsor for the student.)

Similar words: supporter, guarantor

Common phrases: visa sponsor, baptism sponsor, sponsor for someone

A lawmaker who formally proposes or supports a law.

• The bill has three sponsors.
• Its main sponsor spoke before the vote.
• Several senators became sponsors of the proposed law.

How to use it: sponsor of a bill (The senator is the sponsor of a bill on housing.)

Similar words: proposer, backer

Common phrases: bill sponsor, sponsor of legislation

An experienced member of a recovery group who supports and guides a new member.

• My sponsor helps me stay sober.
• She called her sponsor after a difficult day.
• New members often choose sponsors they trust.

Similar words: mentor

Common phrases: recovery sponsor, call someone’s sponsor