mole

noun

Definition of molenext
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country for years we have had a mole in the enemy's national intelligence agency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mole Picking may be directed at healthy skin, hair, scalp, pimples, or moles. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 Taco Grill Cantina is bringing a modern take on Mexican cuisine to downtown Naperville, which will include everything from bone marrow and pork belly tacos to salmon with mole sauce, according to a news release. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 As the officers recall the incident, Hondo focuses on finding out who the mole is and how to proceed with this information. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 To follow Johnson’s formula, blend a few garlic cloves and chili peppers with water, strain the mixture, and then spray it directly into mole tunnels. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mole
  1. spy
  2. operative
  3. agent
Noun
  • Directed by Grammy Award-winning filmmaker James Mackel, the visual is three-and-a-half minutes of spy stuff, our hero, dressed to impress, making short work of the many villains who lurk in her hotel.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control section, which prosecutes spies, is assisting the DOJ in the case.
    — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of spy
Noun
  • Later that year, the Russian operative gave the Dutch spies access to one of the GRU’s most sensitive assets.
    — Matthew Cole, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Friend soon landed Pride & Prejudice and eventually got to play a CIA operative on Homeland.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of operative
Noun
  • According to Jáuregui’s defense team, the federal prosecutor’s office said the agents were close to the person who led the operation, the Chihuahua investigations chief who was one of two deceased Mexicans.
    — María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Even nicotine-free formulas contain flavorings and solvent agents like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of agent

Browse Nearby Words

moldy
mole
molecular
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mole. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mole

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