mole

noun

Definition of molenext
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country for years we have had a mole in the enemy's national intelligence agency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mole As the officers recall the incident, Hondo focuses on finding out who the mole is and how to proceed with this information. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 To follow Johnson’s formula, blend a few garlic cloves and chili peppers with water, strain the mixture, and then spray it directly into mole tunnels. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026 There are also plenty of theories flying around online on Reddit about who the mysterious mole might be. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 But policing facial infringement is like playing whack-a-mole, Fan said. — Ling Wei, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mole
  1. spy
  2. operative
  3. agent
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
  • 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
Noun
  • Anyone seeking to hold federal agents accountable must be prepared for a long wait, says Borchetta.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Child welfare agents said abuse may have occurred, but the perpetrator was unknown, according to records reviewed by The Washington Post.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of agent

Browse Nearby Words

moldy
mole
molecular
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mole. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mole

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