power broker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Political
Quick answer
What does “power broker” mean?
A person who exerts significant control or influence over the decisions and activities of others, typically behind the scenes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who exerts significant control or influence over the decisions and activities of others, typically behind the scenes.
An influential intermediary who negotiates, arranges deals, or controls access to power within organizations, politics, or industries without necessarily holding formal authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American political commentary, but widely understood in both. No spelling variation.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both dialects. Can imply a cynical view of political processes.
Frequency
More frequent in US media, especially during election cycles and legislative negotiations.
Grammar
How to Use “power broker” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] served as a power broker between [Party A] and [Party B].The [e.g., election, merger] was decided by a handful of party power brokers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power broker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He sought to power-broker a compromise within the Labour Party.
American English
- She spent years power-brokering among the various congressional factions.
adjective
British English
- His power-broker role was crucial, though never officially acknowledged.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A corporate power broker arranged the merger after months of secret talks.
Academic
The study analyzed the role of local power brokers in post-colonial state formation.
Everyday
In our community, she's the real power broker who gets things done.
Technical
(Political Science) Non-elected power brokers can significantly distort democratic accountability.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power broker”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power broker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power broker”
- Confusing with 'lobbyist' (who advocates for specific interests). A power broker has broader, systemic control. Using as a direct synonym for 'leader' (misses the behind-the-scenes aspect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently, but it often carries a cynical or realistic tone, suggesting manipulation of systems for personal or factional gain, outside formal accountability.
A lobbyist advocates for a specific interest or policy. A power broker operates at a higher level, often controlling access, making deals, and determining who gets power, acting more as an arranger than an advocate.
Yes, it's used in business (corporate mergers), entertainment (talent agencies), and even local community organizations to describe individuals who wield decisive informal influence.
While they often operate behind the scenes, some power brokers are widely known figures. The key is that their influence exceeds their formal job title or position.
A person who exerts significant control or influence over the decisions and activities of others, typically behind the scenes.
Power broker is usually formal, journalistic, political in register.
Power broker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər ˌbrəʊkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər ˌbroʊkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull the strings from behind the curtain”
- “be the power behind the throne”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'stock broker' who trades shares. A POWER BROKER trades in influence and political favours instead of stocks.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A MARKET (where influence is a commodity to be traded).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes a 'power broker'?