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Suffix · forms nouns

-maker

Names the person who makes or creates a specific thing: peacemaker, troublemaker, filmmaker, matchmaker, policymaker, dealmaker.

In Spanish: hacedor de / creador deLiterary

Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated June 2026

What is a -maker?

-maker combines "make" (to create, produce) with "-er" (agent) to name someone who makes or generates something habitually or professionally: Cultural and artistic creators: • filmmaker = one who makes films • glassmaker = one who makes glass • cabinetmaker = a craftsman who makes fine furniture • clockmaker = one who makes and repairs clocks • dressmaker = one who makes clothes, especially for women Social or relational roles: • peacemaker = one who works to create peace • troublemaker = one who habitually causes trouble • matchmaker = one who arranges relationships between people • dealmaker = a skilled negotiator who closes agreements • policymaker = one who designs and implements public policy

Peacemaker and troublemaker: the opposing pair

"Peacemaker" and "troublemaker" form one of the most expressive semantic pairs with -maker. Their opposition is perfect. "Peacemaker" appears in religious contexts ("Blessed are the peacemakers"), diplomatic ones ("serve as a peacemaker"), and social ones ("she was always the peacemaker in family arguments"). "Troublemaker" is more informal but very frequent: "a born troublemaker," "the troublemakers in the class," "he was branded a troublemaker." It describes someone who systematically generates conflict or disorder.

Policymaker and dealmaker in formal texts

"Policymaker" is indispensable in political science, economics, and journalism: "policymakers should consider...," "the decisions of policymakers," "senior policymakers." "Dealmaker" (a skilled negotiator who closes agreements) is common in economic and business journalism: "a skilled dealmaker," "his reputation as a dealmaker," "the dealmaker behind the merger." Both words signal advanced academic and journalistic vocabulary.

How it is pronounced

-maker/ˌmeɪkər/ · sounds like "maker"

Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.

Examples

Base word
With -maker
In a phrase
  • peacepeacemakerShe served as a peacemaker during the long negotiations.
  • troubletroublemakerHe was branded a troublemaker and expelled from school.
  • filmfilmmakerThe filmmaker spent three years making the documentary.
  • matchmatchmakerHer aunt acted as an unofficial matchmaker for the whole family.
  • policypolicymakerPolicymakers must consider both short-term and long-term effects.
  • dealdealmakerHis reputation as a dealmaker was built over thirty years.
  • cabinetcabinetmakerThe cabinetmaker crafted the wardrobe from solid oak.
  • clockclockmakerThe old clockmaker repaired watches by hand.

Common mistakes

policy-maker (hyphenated)
policymaker (one word)

"Policymaker" is increasingly written as one word. Same applies to "filmmaker" and "matchmaker." When in doubt, check a current style guide — the trend is toward one word.

a trouble maker (two words)
a troublemaker (one word)

Established compounds with -maker are written as one word: troublemaker, peacemaker, filmmaker, dealmaker.

A trick to remember it

In academic and journalistic texts, "policymaker" is nearly obligatory. Learn these phrases: "senior policymakers," "according to policymakers," "a skilled dealmaker," "a born troublemaker." Using these compounds signals advanced vocabulary and registers above everyday speech.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Form the word

Fill in: "She always acted as a ___ when conflicts arose in the team." (one who creates peace)

Hint: Peace + maker: one who makes peace.

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

"The bill was opposed by policymakers who feared its economic impact." What are "policymakers"?

Exercise 3 · Form the word

Fill in: "He was known as a brilliant ___, closing deals others thought impossible." (skilled negotiator)

Hint: Deal + maker: one who makes deals.

Frequently asked questions

What does the suffix -maker mean in English?

The suffix -maker names the person who makes or creates a specific thing: peacemaker, troublemaker, filmmaker, matchmaker, policymaker, dealmaker. In Spanish it usually maps to hacedor de / creador de.

How do you pronounce -maker?

The ending -maker is pronounced /ˌmeɪkər/ · sounds like "maker". For example, "peacemaker".

Can you give an example of a word with -maker?

"peace" becomes "peacemaker". It is a typical example of the -maker suffix.

Other useful suffixes

  • -craft

    Forms compounds naming a specialized skill, art, or type of vehicle: aircraft, spacecraft, witchcraft, stagecraft, statecraft, wordcraft.

  • -smith

    Names a craftsperson skilled in working a specific material or medium: blacksmith, goldsmith, silversmith, wordsmith, locksmith, gunsmith.

  • -wright

    From Old English "wryhta" (worker, maker): forms nouns for skilled craftsmen and makers. Playwright, wheelwright, shipwright, wainwright, millwright.

Learn every English suffix

-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.

View all suffixes
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