informant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "informant" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with their letter counts and brief explanations, designed to help you quickly solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "informant crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SPY: One who secretly gathers and reports information.
RAT: An informal term for someone who secretly informs on others, often in a negative sense.
4 Letters
MOLE: A deep-cover informant, often within an organization.
5 Letters
GRASS: British slang for an informant, typically one who informs the police.
6 Letters
SNITCH: An informal term for someone who reports wrongdoing to authorities or other people.
7 Letters
TIPSTER: A person who gives secret or inside information, especially for betting or criminal activity.
8 Letters
INFORMER: A person who gives information to another, especially to law enforcement or authorities.
SQUEALER: An informal and often derogatory term for someone who informs on others, often indicating a betrayal.
More About "informant crossword clue"
The term "informant" is a fascinating concept, especially in the world of crosswords. It encapsulates a variety of roles, from a covert agent gathering intelligence to a witness providing crucial details to law enforcement. This diversity is what makes it such a rich source of synonyms for crossword constructors, allowing for clues of varying difficulty and letter counts.
When you encounter "informant" in a crossword, consider the context and any additional words in the clue. A clue like "secret informant" might lean towards "MOLE" or "SPY," while "police informant" could suggest "INFORMER" or "SNITCH." The nuance in the phrasing often guides you to the specific synonym required, demanding a keen understanding of vocabulary and its subtle distinctions.
Understanding these different facets of "informant" not only helps in solving puzzles but also enriches your general vocabulary. Crosswords are a fantastic way to explore the intricacies of language, and clues like this highlight how a single concept can be expressed in many different ways, each with its own connotations and uses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters needed for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities for clues like "informant."
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Is the clue formal or informal? This can guide you towards words like "INFORMER" (formal) versus "RAT" or "SNITCH" (informal).
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't guess in isolation. Any letters you've already filled from crossing words are your most valuable hints for confirming the correct "informant" synonym.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words are very common answers for particular types of clues. "Informant" has several frequently used synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an "informant" a common crossword clue?
The term "informant" is a popular crossword clue because it has numerous synonyms with varying letter counts, such as SPY, MOLE, RAT, and SNITCH. This versatility allows constructors to fit it into many different puzzle grids while offering a clear, understandable concept to solvers. Its common usage in real-world contexts also makes it an accessible and fair clue for a wide audience.
Are there different types of informants in crosswords?
Yes, crossword clues for 'informant' can often hint at specific types. For example, 'undercover informant' might lead to MOLE, while 'police source' could point to INFORMER. Clues might also use informal or derogatory terms like RAT or SNITCH, indicating a less formal type of informant. Paying attention to these subtle distinctions in the clue can help narrow down the correct answer.
How do I identify the correct "informant" synonym in a puzzle?
To identify the correct synonym for 'informant' in a crossword, first consider the letter count required. Then, analyze the exact wording of the clue – is it formal or informal? Are there any specific contexts (e.g., 'secret agent')? Finally, use any already-filled letters from intersecting words as critical hints. Combining these strategies will typically lead you to the precise answer.