Informer: meaning, definitions and examples

An informer is typically used to describe someone who secretly provides information, often to the authorities. It has a slightly negative connotation, as it implies betrayal or secrecy.

• The police caught the criminal thanks to an anonymous informer.
• He was labeled as an informer after he leaked company secrets.

A reporter is a person who investigates and reports news. This word is commonly used in the context of journalism and news media.

• The reporter covered the story of the local elections.
• She works as a reporter for a major news network.

A messenger is someone who carries and delivers messages. It is often used in contexts where the person’s role is primarily to relay information without involvement in the content.

• The king sent a messenger to deliver his orders to the troops.
• I hired a bike messenger to deliver the package quickly.

A source is someone or something that provides information. This term is broad and can be used in various contexts, from journalism to research.

• The journalist cited an anonymous source for the breaking news story.
• In academic writing, it is important to reference all your sources.

Often used in police or espionage contexts to describe someone who provides information covertly. It does not always carry a negative connotation, but can depend on the situation.

• The police relied on an informer within the gang to gather crucial intelligence.
• She acted as an informer for the government, supplying them with insider details.

Commonly used in legal or official settings to denote someone who supplies information, usually to law enforcement or investigative bodies. This word doesn’t usually imply disloyalty as much as providing relevant information.

• The detective worked closely with an informant who had access to crucial information.
• An anonymous informant tipped off the authorities about the illegal operations.

A colloquial term often used with a negative connotation, implying betrayal. Usually describes someone who informs on others, especially peers or colleagues, to authorities or someone in power.

• Nobody likes a snitch who betrays their friends for personal gain.
• He was labeled a snitch and ostracized by his former associates.

Refers to someone who exposes unethical, illegal, or harmful activities within an organization or institution. Often seen as a positive, brave action to protect public interest, though it can come with personal risks.

• The whistleblower's revelations led to a major corporate overhaul to address the misconduct.
• She became a whistleblower and revealed the company's environmental violations.

Use this word when referring to someone who gives information, often secretly or confidentially, typically about illegal activities. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

• The detective met with the informer in a secluded area.
• Many criminals were arrested thanks to the informer's tips.

Ideal for formal or technical settings when specifying a device or person responsible for giving notice or information, often in business or digital communication.

• The app acts as a notifier for upcoming deadlines.
• The notifier system ensures that all employees are informed about policy changes.

This is suitable when referring to someone or something that warns or alerts others about potential or immediate danger, typically used in the context of safety and security.

• The fire alarm acted as an alerter for everyone in the building.
• The security system serves as an alerter for potential intrusions.

Best used in technical or digital contexts where it refers to software or a system that provides the latest information or updates automatically.

• The update tool downloaded the latest software patches overnight.
• An update tool is essential for keeping the antivirus software current.