influence peddler

noun

1. a person who arranges to obtain favors, as government contracts, from high officials on behalf of others for a fee.

Other Words From

• influence peddling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of influence peddler¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

One thing that McCarthy is apparently not interested in, say several people who have spoken with him, is raking in big bucks an an influence peddler.

From Los Angeles Times

Some said he had become another influence peddler.

From New York Times

“I’m just not a fixer or an influence peddler,” he said.

From New York Times

“And less than 12 months later, I’m an influence peddler and a fat cat,” he said dryly.

From Washington Post

Some viewed Nader as an influence peddler; others said that he had been intimately involved in high-stakes negotiations in the Middle East for decades.

From The New Yorker

Related Words

• fixer
• kingmaker