Synonyms for
Informant
Definition
An informant is someone who gives information to authorities about the actions or plans of others, especially those involved in criminal activity.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- police informant
- confidential informant
- informant network
- paid informant
- informant tip
- informant report
- informant testimony
Word family
Usage note
The term 'informant' often carries negative connotations, especially in informal contexts, implying someone who betrays others. In formal settings, it can refer more neutrally to a source of information.
Example sentences
- The informant gave the police information about the drug dealers.
- The FBI relies on informants to help catch criminals.
- The informant was afraid for his life after testifying in court.
- The journalist's informant provided inside information about the company's corruption.
- The informant was paid for his information about the terrorist plot.
Quotes
The informant is the weakest tool in law enforcement. - Irwin Shaw
The informant is a prisoner of his own information. - William Safire
An informant is someone who tells you what's going on in the world. - Edward Snowden