Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

game-changer

American  
[geym-cheyn-jer] / ˈgeɪmˌtʃeɪn dʒər /
Or game changer

noun

  1. Sports. an athlete, play, etc., that suddenly changes the outcome of a game or contest.

  2. a person or thing that dramatically changes the course, strategy, character, etc., of something.

    Social media has been a real game-changer in the company’s marketing efforts.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of game-changer

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It was a game changer that allowed these animals to adopt a much more active lifestyle," said Mooney.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

“The ChatGPT moment for EDA may have finally arrived, and agentic AI tools may be a game changer for the semiconductor industry,” Shi wrote in a Monday note.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Although the ability to make snow has been a game changer for resorts in North America, here’s the rub: Snowmaking works only when it’s cold.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

To be a "game changer" for Kyiv, the pace of engagement needed to be kept up.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

This blind handoff would be the game changer.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "game-changer" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com