View synonyms for agency

agency

[ ey-juhn-see ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural a·gen·cies.

an organization, company, or bureau that provides a particular service:
We are a nonprofit agency for people experiencing food insecurity.
a company having a franchise to represent another:
Perhaps we should be looking for a new advertising agency.
a governmental bureau or administrative division, or an office that represents it:
My internship at the FDA led to job opportunities with other federal agencies.
the place of business of an agent:
If you stop by the agency tomorrow, we can go over the details of the land sale.
Indian agency.
the duty or function of an agent.
the relationship between a principal and an agent:
Investment firms must incentivize proper agency so that fund managers prioritize the investor’s interests over their own.
the state of being in action or of exerting power; operation:
the agency of divine Providence.
the capacity to act or exert power:
We may have our free agency, but we are responsible for our choices.
a means of exerting power or influence; instrumentality:
nominated by the agency of friends.
Synonyms: intercession

agency

/ ˈeɪdʒənsɪ /

a business or other organization providing a specific service
an employment agency
the place where an agent conducts business
the business, duties, or functions of an agent
action, power, or operation
the agency of fate
intercession or mediation
one of the administrative organizations of a government

Origin of agency¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Medieval Latin agentia “ability,” from Latin ag(ere) “to do, drive” + -entia -ency

Origin of agency¹

C17: from Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agere to do

Browse