The term "top seeds" is commonly used in sports to describe the highest-ranking players or teams in a tournament or league. However, there are several other words or phrases that can be used synonymously with this term. Some options include "favorites," "front-runners," "powerhouses," "top dogs," "leading contenders," and "top-ranked competitors." These terms all convey the same idea of a team or individual being at the forefront of their respective field, and are often used interchangeably in sports journalism and commentary. Despite their slight differences in connotation, these synonyms all imply a high level of skill and success.