middleperson
Neutral third party
A middleperson is someone who acts as an intermediary between two parties—a broker, agent, or go-between.
The term is a gender-neutral alternative to middleman: We bought directly from the farmer, cutting out the middleperson.
Like middleman, it can carry connotations of adding cost without adding value.
Agent connecting separate parties
- liaisonConnector between groups
- channelPassage for transmission
- conduitTube conveying fluid or cables
- linkPoint of connection
proxy · representative · delegate · envoy · emissary · ambassador · spokesperson · intercessor
One who resolves disputes
- peacemakerConflict resolution agent
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
compromise · neutral · impartial · conciliation · reconciliation · dialogue · conflict · third-party
One who acts independently
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- dealAgreement or distribution
- transactionExchange of goods/money
- buyerOne who acquires things
seller · realtor · trader · marketplace · exchange · listing · contract · fee
Interconnected system
- hubCentral connection point
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- referralDirecting someone elsewhere
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
networking · relationship · bridge · linkage · social capital · rolodex · contact list · facilitator
Negotiating mutually acceptable terms
- deal-makingNegotiating agreements between parties
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
- trade-offExchange requiring sacrifice
accord · terms · haggling · leverage · counterparty · proposal · offer · concession
go-between
Agent connecting separate parties
link · proxy · representative · delegate · envoy · emissary · ambassador · spokesperson · intercessor · mouthpiece
arbitrator
One who resolves disputes
- peacemakerConflict resolution agent
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
settlement · compromise · neutral · impartial · conciliation · reconciliation · dialogue · conflict · third-party · adjudicator
agent
One who acts independently
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- dealAgreement or distribution
- transactionExchange of goods/money
buyer · seller · realtor · trader · marketplace · exchange · listing · contract · fee · percentage
network
Interconnected system
- hubCentral connection point
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- referralDirecting someone elsewhere
matchmaking · networking · relationship · bridge · linkage · social capital · rolodex · contact list · facilitator · introducer
bargaining
Negotiating mutually acceptable terms
- deal-makingNegotiating agreements between parties
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
trade-off · accord · terms · haggling · leverage · counterparty · proposal · offer · concession · parley