power broker
Behind-the-scenes operator
A power broker is someone who wields influence behind the scenes, arranging deals and shaping outcomes without holding formal authority.
The term applies to political operatives, well-connected businesspeople, or anyone who can make things happen through relationships rather than official position: She became the power broker who decided which candidates got funding.
The implication is often that real decisions happen away from public view.
Member of small ruling class
- tycoonDominant industrial leader
- magnateWealthy business leader
- plutocratRuler through wealth
- baronLow-ranking peer
kingpin · titan · mogul · financier · industrialist · capitalist · czar · nabob
Regular supporter or customer
- backerFinancial supporter
- sponsorFunder of activities
- godfatherMale baptismal guardian
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
consigliere · kingpin · benefactor · donor · mentor · protector · chancellor · regent
One who bargains professionally
- arbitratorOne who resolves disputes
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
- facilitatorNeutral process guide
diplomat · envoy · conciliator · peacemaker · liaison · dealmaker · fixer · back-channel
Thing that joins others
- socialiteProminent figure in fashionable circles
- schmoozerOne who ingratiates strategically
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
- contactCommunication or physical touch
social capital · circles · access · introductions · Rolodex · well-connected · influencer · convener
Public cause supporter
- campaignerOne who advocates publicly
- government relationsManaging interactions with authorities
- interest groupPolicy-influencing collective
- political action committeeOrganization funding electoral campaigns
pressure group · public affairs · special interest · corporate lobbying · trade association · legislative aide · bundler · revolving door
oligarch
Member of small ruling class
baron · kingpin · titan · mogul · financier · industrialist · capitalist · czar · nabob · patriarch
patron
Regular supporter or customer
puppeteer · consigliere · kingpin · benefactor · donor · mentor · protector · chancellor · regent · orchestrator
negotiator
One who bargains professionally
- arbitratorOne who resolves disputes
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
facilitator · diplomat · envoy · conciliator · peacemaker · liaison · dealmaker · fixer · back-channel · shuttle diplomacy
connector
Thing that joins others
- socialiteProminent figure in fashionable circles
- schmoozerOne who ingratiates strategically
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
contact · social capital · circles · access · introductions · Rolodex · well-connected · influencer · convener · host
advocate
Public cause supporter
- campaignerOne who advocates publicly
- government relationsManaging interactions with authorities
- interest groupPolicy-influencing collective
political action committee · pressure group · public affairs · special interest · corporate lobbying · trade association · legislative aide · bundler · revolving door · astroturf
- corporate worldCEO, CFO, COO, VP, executive
- bigwigsbigwig, big shot, big wig, VIP, big kahuna
- Dealmakingdeal, negotiator, bargaining, offer, counteroffer
- negotiatorsnegotiator, bargainer, dealmaker, mediator, arbitrator
- notablesleaders, celebrities, dignitary, rulers, VIPs
- persuaderspersuader, orator, orators, public speaker, speechmaker
power brokerpawn
Unwitting tool of another
puppet · figurehead · follower · yes-man · tool
power brokerordinary citizen
nobody · little guy · man on the street · average Joe · outsider
power, powerful, empower, broker, overpower, horsepower, empowerment, brokerage, brokers