MOVER AND SHAKER Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

mover and shaker

noun

Definition of mover and shaker

as in fat cat

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mover and shaker Many Illinois movers and shakers have shifted focus from state issues to national and global matters that affect their businesses. — Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Such was the case on Friday night, when music industry movers and shakers took over the storied Sunset Tower Hotel’s Terrace Room for an EPIC Records and Hennessy pre-Grammys party, dancing and mingling until the wee hours. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2026 Some of the Musk fanbase might cheer loudly, seeing him as the absolute mover and shaker. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025 But as a company, Ziggi’s is a mover and shaker. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mover and shaker

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mover and shaker

Noun

His fat cat industrialist Zsa-Zsa Korda is no underground rebel.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The fat cats in Congress who’ve been making a killing on Wall Street were none too pleased.

— Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of fat cat

Noun

Thibodeau is a big boy, and Dolan is still paying him a lot of money from that $30 million extension signed in the summer of 2024.

— Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 17 June 2026
But taking on one of Wall Street’s big boys, and then getting squashed for it, ranks right up there.

— Liz Peek, Washington Post, 4 May 2026

Definition of big boy

Noun

For all of its strengths, my one wish for the Weber Kettle is better wheel nuts holding the big wheels in place.

— Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 17 May 2026
Denali versions aim for gloss, chrome, big wheels and illuminated badging, while the AT4 gets the tougher costume - 35-inch allou-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, extra ground clearance and a more trail-minded stance flavor.

— Josh Max, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026

Definition of big wheel

Noun

After England have raised a glass comes a three-match one-day international series this week when India will welcome back big guns including captain Shubman Gill and legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Clinging to a one-run lead and with the top of the order due up, Tracy went to one of his big guns, calling in Whitlock to put out the fire.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 May 2026

Definition of big gun

Noun

Still, France’s main man is undoubtedly their captain Mbappe, who will surely be desperate to play here in order to pull away in the Golden Boot race.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Andy Green is set to be the Mets’ main man for the remainder of the season, tapped as the interim manager following Friday’s firing of Carlos Mendoza.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026

Definition of main man

Noun

Roberts, an offensive lineman who was a rookie in 1979, is an interesting choice for the Buccaneers, who went to the NFC title game that season with notables such as QB Doug Williams, RB Ricky Bell and Hall of Fame DE Lee Roy Selmon.

— Jim Reineking, USA Today, 20 July 2026
With those three notables inactive, Summer League head coach Amile Jefferson utilized every inch of his bench.

— Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of notable

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mover

mover and shaker

movers

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Style

“Mover and shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mover%20and%20shaker. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mover and shaker

noun

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