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Synonyms

influence peddler

American  

noun

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


Other Word Forms

  • influence peddling noun

Etymology

Origin of influence peddler

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

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.

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

From Washington Post • Dec. 23, 2019

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 • Feb. 11, 2019

Unnamed in the indictment, he is believed to be Paul Erickson, an N.R.A. member, longtime Republican fixer and influence peddler who formed a South Dakota company with Ms. Butina in 2016.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2018

He also criticized Gingrich as “an influence peddler in Washington” after leaving office.

From BusinessWeek • Jan. 24, 2012

He wanted to align himself with the noble, dry-cleaning Mom and Pop to duck being charged as an influence peddler.

From Slate • Jan. 8, 2012