agent

noun

ˈā-jənt How to pronounce agent (audio)
Definition of agentnext
1
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end the whitening agent in the detergent is chlorine bleach the Church has been the traditional agent for social justice in impoverished countries

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2
as in deputy
a person who acts or does business for another the sports agent negotiated a record-breaking contract for the baseball player

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ambassador
a person sent on a mission to represent another an undercover agent of the Crown

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4
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country an agent feeding information about enemy troop movements

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of agent Broad concern has grown about how autonomous systems, including robotaxis, delivery robots, and AI agents, are impacting jobs, especially for lower-skill workers. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 Meta Platforms Social media giant Meta Platforms has been making headlines since the launch of its Muse AI agent, which is seeing solid traction. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 Fiscal Belli’s husband, Jose, was detained by federal agents in Indianapolis in July. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Some POAs state that when gifts are made, the agent must make gifts of equal amounts to all family members. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agent
  1. instrumentality
  2. deputy
  3. ambassador
  4. spy
  5. means
  6. representative
  7. delegate
  8. operative
Noun
  • Advertisement The war on terror represented a failed effort to impose a unipolar order on the world, one that could no longer rely on the economic instrumentality of globalization alone.
    — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Issued by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, a state instrumentality created under the Wyoming Stable Token Act (2023), FRNT is fully reserved and managed in partnership with Franklin Templeton.
    — Jason Brett, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of instrumentality
Noun
  • Tracy Rieff is stepping down from his role of deputy fire chief after 36 years of volunteering with the Farmington Fire Department.
    — Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • The Rhode founder tapped go-to celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, an OPI global ambassador, for the bold look.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Travis Kelce reminded Chiefs fans on Sunday that one of his other day jobs is ambassador — and model — for preppy clothing brand Tommy Hilfiger.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ambassador
Noun
  • Weeks before the shootdown, the spies allegedly reported on the naval airbase in Key West and were told to transmit Brothers to the Rescue flight data back to the Cuban authorities.
    — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • His sixth great-grandfather was a spy in the Revolutionary War.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of spy
Noun
  • The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • If buying chocolate means supporting a great cause, why not gift chocolate to everyone in your life this holiday season?
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of means
Noun
  • Dori Media, which produces film and TV out of Tel Aviv, Zurich and Buenos Aires, was approached by representatives for Sphereorigin about working together on a film.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Attempts to reach representatives for Jackson were unsuccessful Wednesday.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • The French gêne par procuration delegates discomfort, while the German Fremdschämen means foreign shame.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Organized by the People’s Armed Police, the event brought together more than 320 defense experts and military delegates from 62 countries.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • His vice president at the nonprofit, a longtime Republican operative, had suggested it, Wilson later testified.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Kenney said the movement also became more professional, building organizations, raising money and drawing in political operatives with campaign and fundraising experience.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of operative

Phrases Containing agent

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agendas
agent
agent provocateur
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Cite this Entry

“Agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agent

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