kingmaker
/ˈkɪŋˌmeɪkər/
noun
- A person who has great influence in choosing a leader, especially in politics or business.
- In the company, the vice president was the real kingmaker, deciding who got promoted.
- The wealthy donor became a kingmaker in the election, supporting the winning candidate.
- The journalist was known as a kingmaker because his endorsement could make or break a politician.
- A person who helps someone become powerful or successful, often behind the scenes.
- She acted as a kingmaker in the art world, launching the careers of many young painters.
- The tech mogul was a kingmaker, funding startups that later became billion-dollar companies.
- The old coach was a kingmaker, having trained several Olympic champions.
Synonyms