power broker

noun

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of power broker

: a person (as in politics) able to exert strong influence through control of votes or individuals

See power broker defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of power broker from the Web

The bank’s board members have included Ivanka Trump and former Republican U.S. senator Al D’Amato, a dealmaker and power broker in New York business and politics who has been a vocal supporter of President Trump.

— USA TODAY, "Cozy land deals meant big money for Trump family and friends," 7 June 2018
For this reason, May 1968 attracted not only protesters but potential power brokers who, once the 1968 struggles were over, would find successful leaders such as de Gaulle attractive.

— alan wolfe, The New Republic, "A Most Violent Year," 18 May 2018
But his brash rhetoric and abrasive tactics have alienated many of the party's power brokers.

— tony cook, Indianapolis Star, "After enduring Indiana's nasty, pricey Senate primary, it's decision time for GOP voters," 4 May 2018
The power brokers feel that the goalposts are being moved on them.

— danielle tcholakian, Longreads, "The Myth of Kevin Williamson," 7 Apr. 2018
Among Chargers power brokers, there was affinity for spectacular cost savings a smaller stadium would’ve created, but the team went large to ensure the Super Bowl could be promised.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chargers relocation anniversary: the day the music died — but bogus free-lunch myth didn't," 14 Jan. 2018
In Kentucky, a math teacher defeated a Republican power broker.

— BostonGlobe.com, "5 takeaways from Tuesday’s primary elections," 24 May 2018
Acreage, founded in 2011 as High Street Capital Partners, has aggressively courted regional and national power brokers.

— Philly.com, "Acreage has big plans for marijuana in South Jersey and the nation," 23 May 2018
In and around Los Angeles: Answers to questions about the search for a new L.A. schools superintendent — including how power brokers might be influencing the debate.

— joy resmovits, latimes.com, "The L.A. schools chief power game, education money in the governor's race, fraternity and sorority suspensions: What's new in education," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'power broker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.