power brokers
Behind-the-scenes operators
Power brokers are people who wield influence behind the scenes, arranging deals and shaping outcomes without holding official authority.
The term suggests someone who trades in political or business connections rather than formal power: The real power brokers in Washington aren't the elected officials.
A power broker facilitates agreements between parties, often for personal gain or to consolidate influence.
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- pulling stringsExercising covert influence
- dark moneyUndisclosed political contributions
- fat catsWealthy, influential people
- lobbyistsPaid political persuaders
oligarch · old boys club · fixers · smoke-filled · smoke-filled rooms · behind closed doors · back channels · political machine · negotiator · deal-maker · puppeteers · decision-makers · intermediary · baron · cronyism · politico · tycoons · spoils system
- eliteselites, plutocrats, oligarchs, aristocrats, blue bloods
- influential citizensleaders, politicians, public figures, community leaders, civic leaders
- notable peoplepoliticians, artists, leaders, writers, scientists
- notablesleaders, celebrities, dignitary, rulers, VIPs
- court intrigueintrigue, plots, schemes, plotting, conspiracy
- elite poweroligarchy, plutocracy, oligarch, plutocrat, oligarchs
power brokersordinary citizens
rank and file · common people · the masses · grassroots · nobodies
power brokerspawns
Lowest-ranked chess pieces
puppets · figureheads · subordinates · underlings · lackeys
power brokerselected officials
Leaders chosen by vote
public servants · elected representatives · voters · constituents
power, powerful, empower, broker, powers, powerfully, overpowering, empowered, empowering