kingmaker

noun

king·​mak·​er ˈkiŋ-ˌmā-kər 

: one having great influence over the choice of candidates for political office

Examples of kingmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though Jackson is seeking the progressive mantle in the race to replace Platner on the ballot, the Vermont independent is done with trying to be a Pine Tree State kingmaker. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

Fuentes enjoyed a brief flare of mainstream publicity last year, culminating in a fawning interview with former Republican kingmaker and broadcaster Tucker Carlson. — Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Kendrick Meek, grandson of the late congresswoman Carrie Meek, received the endorsement from South Carolina representative Jim Clyburn, considered a kingmaker in elections. — Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

All the candidates were backed by New York City’s socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who is a protégé of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the new kingmaker in the party. — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kingmaker

• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker
• icebreaker
• lawmaker
• matchmaker
• pacemaker
• partaker
• peacemaker