Agents — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Agents
Agents (noun)
- one that acts or exerts power
- something that produces or is capable of producing an effect, an active or efficient cause
- a chemically, physically, or biologically active principle
- a chief agent; specifically, the representative in England of a British dominion
- one employed to associate with suspected persons and by pretending sympathy with their aims to incite them to some incriminating action
- a substance that causes replacement of hydrogen by an alkyl group especially in a biologically important molecule; specifically, one with mutagenic activity that inhibits cell division and growth and is used to treat some cancers
- someone or something that counteracts another
- an agent that works to diminish, counter, or offset the effects of another
- someone who acts against or exposes the activities of another agent
- a consultant employed jointly by federal and state governments to provide information about agriculture and home economics
- a spy pretending to serve one government while actually serving another
- a real estate broker or manager
- county agent
- a professional athlete (such as a baseball player) who is free to negotiate a contract with any team
Agents (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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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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a person who acts or does business for another
"the sports agent negotiated a record-breaking contract for the baseball player"
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a person sent on a mission to represent another
"an undercover agent of the Crown"
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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"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Agents
The most common words with a similar meaning to Agents:
Word Forms of Agents
Inflections: agents-general, agents provocateurs, counteragents, counter-agents
Derived words: agentive (adjective), free agency (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Agents
Middle English, "force capable of acting on matter," borrowed from Medieval Latin agent-, agens "something capable of producing an effect, person authorized to act for another," going back to Latin, present participle of agere "to drive (cattle), ride (a horse), be in motion, do, perform, transact," going back to Indo-European *h2eǵ- "drive," whence Sanskrit ajati "(s/he) drives," Greek ágein "to lead, carry off," Armenian acem "(I) lead," Old Irish ad-aig "drives, impels," Old Norse aka "to travel in a vehicle"
First known use: 15th century
Frequently Asked Questions about Agents
What does "Agents" mean?
"Agents" means one that acts or exerts power. As a noun, it is defined as: one that acts or exerts power. It has 4 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Agents"?
Other words for "Agents" include agencies, instrumentalities, instruments, machineries, means, mediums, ministries and organs. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Agents" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Agents"?
There are 120 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Agents". Common alternatives include agencies, instrumentalities, instruments, machineries, means, mediums, ministries, organs, vehicles and assignees.
How do you use "Agents" in a sentence?
Examples of "Agents" in a sentence: "the whitening agent in the detergent is chlorine bleach"; "the Church has been the traditional agent for social justice in impoverished countries"; "the sports agent negotiated a record-breaking contract for the baseball player".
Is "Agents" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Agents" is a noun.
How do you pronounce "Agents"?
"Agents" is pronounced /ˈā-jənt/ as a noun, /ˈā-jənt-ˈjen-rəl/ as a noun, /ˈä-ˌzhäⁿ-prō-ˌvä-kə-ˈtər/ as a noun and /ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈā-jənt/ as a noun.
What is the origin of the word "Agents"?
"Agents" comes from Middle English, "force capable of acting on matter," borrowed from Medieval Latin agent-, agens "something capable of producing an effect, person authorized to act for another," going back to Latin, present participle of agere "to drive (cattle), ride (a horse), be in motion, do, perform, transact," going back to Indo-European *h2eǵ- "drive," whence Sanskrit ajati "(s/he) drives," Greek ágein "to lead, carry off," Armenian acem "(I) lead," Old Irish ad-aig "drives, impels," Old Norse aka "to travel in a vehicle". First known use: 15th century.
What is another word for "Agents" meaning "something used to achieve an end"?
When "Agents" (noun) means something used to achieve an end, synonyms include agencies, instrumentalities, instruments, machineries, means and mediums.