What does "first among equals" mean?

A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.

What is a synonym for "first among equals"?

Common synonyms include: primus.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group. idiomatic
"The Orthodox consider the bishop of Rome to have always been merely a first among equals."

"The Orthodox consider the bishop of Rome to have always been merely a first among equals."

Calque of Latin primus inter pares.