OpenSynonym

quarterback

/ˈkwɔːrtərˌbæk/

NOUN

1. A player who directs the offense in American football

A player positioned in the offensive backfield who receives the ball at the start of a play and directs the team's offensive actions, typically by passing, handing off, or running with the ball.

1.1. American football player and offensive leader

The player responsible for directing offensive plays, communicating instructions, and coordinating the team's actions during an American football game.

Synonyms

  • signal caller
  • field general

Examples

  • The quarterback threw a precise pass to the wide receiver for a touchdown.
  • The team's starting quarterback led the offense to victory in the final minutes.
  • The coach praised the quarterback for his decision-making and leadership on the field.

Related Words

  • football player
  • offensive leader
  • team captain
  • playmaker
  • passer

1.2. The player directing offensive strategy

The quarterback's role as the on-field decision-maker who reads defensive formations, calls or adjusts plays, and coordinates offensive execution.

Synonyms

  • field general
  • signal caller
  • offensive leader

Examples

  • The experienced quarterback acted as the field general and adjusted the play after reading the defense.
  • A good quarterback must remain calm while making split-second decisions under pressure.
  • The young quarterback demonstrated excellent leadership while coordinating the team's offense.

Related Words

  • strategist
  • play caller
  • game manager
  • offensive coordinator
  • leader

VERB

2. To direct or lead a project, team, or activity

To organize, coordinate, manage, or take responsibility for directing an activity, project, or group toward a particular goal.

2.1. Leading and coordinating a project or initiative

To take charge of an undertaking by organizing its activities, coordinating participants, and directing the work toward completion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She was chosen to quarterback the company's digital transformation project.
  • The senior manager will quarterback the negotiations with the international partners.
  • He successfully quarterbacked the initiative from its planning stage through implementation.

Related Words

2.2. Directing people and managing team activities

To guide a group, coordinate its members, and take responsibility for ensuring that collective activities are carried out effectively.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The director quarterbacked the response team during the emergency.
  • He was responsible for quarterbacking the negotiations between the two departments.
  • The project leader quarterbacked the team through several challenging stages.

Related Words