The correct answer is 'backer.' Key Points - Let us see the meaning of Patron: - Patron: a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause. - Example: He is a celebrated patron of the arts. - Let us see the meanings of the given options: - Entrepreneur: a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. - Admirer: a person who has particular regard for someone or something. - Critique: a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially aliterary, philosophical, or political theory. - Backer: a person, institution, or country that supports someone or something, especially financially. - From the meanings of the given words, we can say that the word 'backer' is nearest in meaning to the underlined word 'patron'. - Hence, the correct answeris 'backer.'