agency
18 synonyms and 1 antonyms for agency, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A business or organization that provides a particular service, often acting on behalf of others.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use agency
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin agentia, built from Latin agens ("acting"), the present participle of agere ("to act, do") — the same root as "agent."
Full origin of agency →Frequently asked questions
What does “agency” mean?
The word “agency” means a business or organization that provides a particular service, often acting on behalf of others. In plain terms, either a business that acts on your behalf, or the personal power to act and choose for yourself.
How do you pronounce “agency”?
“Agency” is pronounced AY-juhn-see (/ˈeɪ.d͡ʒən.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “agency” in a sentence?
Here is “agency” used in a sentence: “She booked the holiday through a travel agency.”
What is another word for “agency”?
Words with a similar meaning to “agency” include action, activity, agent, agentship, cause and device.
What is the opposite of “agency”?
The opposite of “agency” — its antonyms — is nonagency.
What part of speech is “agency”?
“Agency” is a noun.
Where does the word “agency” come from?
The word “agency” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin agentia, built from Latin agens ("acting"), the present participle of agere ("to act, do") — the same root as "agent.".
Is “agency” a common word?
“Agency” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between an agency and a company?
Every agency is a kind of company, but the word 'agency' highlights that it acts on behalf of clients — an advertising agency runs campaigns for other businesses, for example. A plain 'company' may make or sell its own products directly. 'Agency' stresses the role of representing or serving others.
What are the different types of agencies?
Agencies are usually named after the service they provide. Common examples include advertising and marketing agencies, travel agencies, employment or staffing agencies, real-estate agencies, and insurance agencies. The word also covers government agencies — public bodies such as tax, security, or environmental departments that carry out official functions.
What is an example of an agency?
A travel agency booking trips for customers is a familiar example, as is an advertising agency creating campaigns for brands. Government agencies, such as a space agency or an intelligence agency, are public organizations carrying out specific official duties on behalf of the state.