undercover agent crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "undercover agent crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling prowess.
Solutions for "undercover agent crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SPY: An individual secretly gathering intelligence, often for a government or organization.
4 Letters
MOLE: A person who infiltrates an organization, often from within, to provide secret information.
5 Letters
AGENT: A person who acts on behalf of another, often in a clandestine or secret capacity, particularly in intelligence.
7 Letters
SLEEPER: An agent who is placed in a country or organization and remains inactive for a prolonged period before being activated.
8 Letters
INFORMER: Someone who secretly gives information about criminal activity to the police or other authority.
9 Letters
OPERATIVE: A person who carries out a particular operation, especially a secret or covert one, often within intelligence.
More About "undercover agent crossword"
The term "undercover agent" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, leading to several possible answers depending on the specific nuance the clue is aiming for. Beyond the direct synonyms like "spy" or "agent," setters often use words that describe specific roles or situations an undercover operative might be in, such as a "mole" who has infiltrated an organization from within, or a "sleeper" who lies dormant for years before being activated.
Understanding the subtle differences between these terms can be key to unlocking the correct answer. For instance, while an "informer" provides secret information, they might not necessarily be an 'agent' in the traditional sense, but the clue might still lead to this answer. Paying close attention to the word count and intersecting letters will always be your best allies.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "undercover agent," consider if the clue hints at a specific type of secret agent (e.g., an infiltrator, a long-term operative, or simply someone secretive). This helps distinguish between 'mole', 'sleeper', or general 'spy'.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the provided answer length to the potential solutions. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on relevant answers like SPY (3 letters) vs. OPERATIVE (9 letters).
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your most powerful hints, confirming or disproving your guesses. If a 'T' is in the third position, 'AGENT' becomes more likely than 'MOLE'.
- Think Synonyms and Euphemisms: Crossword setters love to use synonyms, idioms, or less common terms related to the core concept. For "undercover agent," think "secret operative," "clandestine figure," or even "plant."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a "spy" and a "mole" in crosswords?
While both are secret agents, a 'spy' is a general term for someone gathering intelligence, whereas a 'mole' specifically refers to an informant who has infiltrated an organization from within. Crossword setters often use these nuanced differences to guide solvers to the precise answer needed.
How can I identify an undercover agent clue without all the letters?
Look for synonyms like "secret operative," "clandestine figure," "infiltrator," or terms related to intelligence gathering and secrecy. The number of letters, intersecting words you've already filled, and the overall theme of the puzzle can also provide strong hints to narrow down the possibilities.
Are there common word lengths for "undercover agent" clues?
Yes, common lengths include 3 letters (e.g., SPY), 4 letters (e.g., MOLE), 5 letters (e.g., AGENT, PLANT), and longer ones like 7 (e.g., SLEEPER) or 8 (e.g., INFORMER). Always consider the available spaces in your puzzle to match the expected length and fill in the correct answer.