There are several synonyms that can be used in place of "the boss." Some of the most common substitutes include "the manager," "the supervisor," and "the leader." Other phrases that could be used to refer to a boss include "the head honcho," "the bigwig," or simply "the bossman." For a more formal tone, "the executive director" or "the head of operations" could be used. In some settings, "the captain" or "the chief" could also be used in place of "the boss." Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the context and tone of the communication, as well as personal preference.