opinion-maker

opinion-maker — noun

1. someone whose views in public strongly affect how many people see a subject

1.nounC1
Definition

someone whose views in public strongly affect how many people see a subject

Example

On local radio, Mei became an opinion-maker for young voters.

pattern: become an opinion-maker for [group]

Fashion magazines soon treated Luca as an opinion-maker in men's style.

pattern: treat [person] as an opinion-maker

Common collocations
  • become an opinion-maker
  • leading opinion-maker
  • local opinion-maker
  • opinion-maker in the media
Synonyms
  • influencer

    is broader and often linked to social media rather than public debate or ideas

  • tastemaker

    is especially used for style, art, food, or culture

  • thought leader

    is more formal and common in business or professional contexts

  • trendsetter

    focuses more on starting fashions or habits than shaping views on issues

Grammar Patterns

be an opinion-maker

act as an opinion-maker

treat someone as an opinion-maker

Usage Note

Usually used for people with public reach, such as media figures, political leaders, critics, or religious leaders. It is less natural for someone who only influences a small private group.

Common Mistakes

My brother is an opinion-maker in our family.
My brother strongly influences everyone in our family.
opinion-maker is usually used for wider public influence, not a small home group.
She is an opinion-maker about music, so I trust her clothes advice.
She is an opinion-maker in music, so I trust her music advice.
use it for the field where the person shapes public views.

Etymology

English

This compound joins opinion and maker. In modern English, it refers to a person who helps form public views, especially through media, politics, religion, or culture.