powerbroker
Behind-scenes manipulator
A powerbroker is someone who wields influence behind the scenes, arranging deals and shaping outcomes without holding formal authority.
The term usually applies to politics or business, where powerbrokers trade favors, control access, or command networks that let them determine who succeeds: The union powerbroker decided which candidates got endorsed.
Also spelled power broker.
Political influence wielder
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- cloutInformal power or punch
- swayRock back and forth
- pullForce toward oneself
connections · access · backroom · wheeler-dealer · fixer · operator · dealmaker · networker
Corporate combination
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
- dealAgreement or distribution
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- takeoverAssuming command of something
boardroom · executive · CEO · tycoon · magnate · mogul · conglomerate · shareholder
Paid legislative influencer
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- partisanBiased toward one side
caucus · policymaker · diplomat · constituency · fundraiser · bundler · PAC · donor
Member of small ruling class
- plutocratRuler through wealth
- billionairePerson worth ten figures
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- establishmentFounded organization or venue
aristocrat · patrician · one-percenter · Davos · exclusive · privileged · connected · wealthy
Exchange of equivalents
- palm-greasingBribing with money
- arm-twistingForceful influence tactics
- horse-tradingShrewd, tough negotiating
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
intimidation · scheming · cunning · Machiavellian · calculated · ruthless · opportunistic · duplicitous
kingmaker
Political influence wielder
pull · connections · access · backroom · wheeler-dealer · fixer · operator · dealmaker · networker · gatekeeper
merger
Corporate combination
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
- dealAgreement or distribution
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
takeover · boardroom · executive · CEO · tycoon · magnate · mogul · conglomerate · shareholder · stake
lobbyist
Paid legislative influencer
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
partisan · caucus · policymaker · diplomat · constituency · fundraiser · bundler · PAC · donor · superdelegate
oligarch
Member of small ruling class
- plutocratRuler through wealth
- billionairePerson worth ten figures
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
establishment · aristocrat · patrician · one-percenter · Davos · exclusive · privileged · connected · wealthy · influential
quid-pro-quo
Exchange of equivalents
- palm-greasingBribing with money
- arm-twistingForceful influence tactics
- horse-tradingShrewd, tough negotiating
coercion · intimidation · scheming · cunning · Machiavellian · calculated · ruthless · opportunistic · duplicitous · two-faced
- bigwigsbigwig, big shot, big wig, VIP, big kahuna
- power brokerskingpin, kingmakers, puppeteer, kingmaker, string puller
- fat catstycoon, mogul, magnate, plutocrat, oligarch
- politicospolitician, legislator, lawmaker, senator, congressman
- strategistsmilitary strategist, political strategist, business strategist, mastermind, tactician
- organized crimemafia, mob, the mob, syndicate, crime syndicate
powerbrokernobody
Inconsequential person
nonentity · lightweight · small fry · bit player · ordinary citizen