kingmaker

noun

king·​mak·​er ˈkiŋ-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce kingmaker (audio)
: one having great influence over the choice of candidates for political office

Examples of kingmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The election outcome sets the stage for tough coalition talks over the coming weeks, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen's center-right Moderates, which won 14 seats, seen emerging as a kingmaker. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 The ‘kingmaker’ decides the next steps Because neither the left-leaning nor right-leaning blocs won a majority, Løkke Rasmussen is now in the role of kingmaker. Kostya Manenkov, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 If that is the case, experienced Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen — a former prime minister — could play the role of kingmaker. ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026 As a result, the Moderates could become the kingmakers of the new government. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kingmaker

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kingmaker was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Kingmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kingmaker. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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