What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
informant
Example
The police received a tip from an informant about the drug dealer's whereabouts. [informant: noun]
Example
The journalist interviewed an informant who provided valuable insights into the company's operations. [informant: noun]
Example
The professor was an informant on the history of ancient civilizations. [informant: noun]
mole
Example
The company discovered that there was a mole leaking confidential information to their competitors. [mole: noun]
Example
The CIA sent a mole to infiltrate the terrorist organization and gather intelligence. [mole: noun]
Example
The union leader suspected that there was a mole within the organization who was sabotaging their efforts. [mole: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Informant is more commonly used than mole in everyday language, especially in legal or criminal investigations. Mole is more commonly used in the context of espionage or intelligence gathering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between informant and mole?
Informant is typically associated with a formal or legal tone, while mole is more informal and often used in the context of spy thrillers or popular culture.