agency

noun

ˈā-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce agency (audio)
Definition of agencynext
1
as in department
a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the federal agency charged with enforcing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in agent
something used to achieve an end by what agency do you plan to acquire this fortune?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 agency The agency is now highly confident there will be a very strong El Nino during the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fall and winter seasons. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 As for the future, Trent Grisham’s impending return to free agency could create an opening for Jones in the middle of the Yankees’ outfield. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Critics say the monthslong Reflecting Pool saga and other demands by Trump risk undermining the integrity of a federal agency that has long been held in high esteem by the American public. — Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Launched in 2024, Fixated is designed to be a next-generation talent agency plus production services plus distribution partner for promising creators emerging from the wild west of the creator economy. — William Earl, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agency
  1. department
  2. agent
  3. bureau
  4. instrumentality
  5. office
  6. means
  7. service
  8. vehicle
Noun
  • Malte Krueger, a PhD who leads the sports science department at Bayer Leverkusen, heard about Biolyz’s trials at Dortmund and knew a couple of guys working as consultants with the startup.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than install a conventional luxury department-store anchor, Fontainebleau chose a retailer built around ease and joyful discovery.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of department
Noun
  • The attorney said the agents cut off the SUV and slammed on their brakes.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Anger toward the people who encouraged Beloozerov to pass information to them, and anger toward the agents who killed him.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • The bureau, which faces little public accountability in fatal shootings, declined to comment for this story.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The bureau opened it on May 10, the day after Comey’s firing, though Sessions’s supplemental testimony was notably not added to the investigative file until May 23.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of bureau
Noun
  • 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
  • Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.
    — Cierra Black, Essence, 9 July 2025
Definition of instrumentality
Noun
  • Meloni's office declined to comment about her wardrobe and who advises her on fashion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some drop boxes at elections office sites may not be accessible this weekend, though early voting sites will be open.
    — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of office
Noun
  • Communism is a political and economic system in which property, means of production and natural resources are collectively owned by the community or state, rather than private individuals, and divided either equally or according to need.
    — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the night, Allie and Owen’s paths continue to cross in the hotbed of lust sweeping across the Big Apple, leading each to wonder if they are truly meant for each other or just there to exist as the means for a desperate encounter.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of means
Noun
  • Amy Tucci, president of the Hospice Foundation of America, noted that some agencies provide extra therapy, aide support, and other services.
    — Kim Clark, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Ambos serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with a weekend brunch service.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • Investigators looked over the woman’s vehicle and discovered a bullet hole through the passenger-side window and blood in the car.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Forterra has previously unveiled MESA, a logistics and casualty-evacuation vehicle based on the Polaris Ranger XD 1500.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of vehicle

Browse Nearby Words

agencies
agency
agenda
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Cite this Entry

“Agency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agency. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on agency

Nglish: Translation of agency for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agency

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