agency crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "agency", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "agency crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FBI: A U.S. federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes.
CIA: The Central Intelligence Agency, a civilian foreign intelligence service of the U.S. federal government.
NSA: The National Security Agency, a U.S. intelligence organization responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information.
ARM: Often referring to a branch or division of a larger organization or government, or a source of power/influence.
4 Letters
FIRM: A business organization, typically a partnership of two or more people providing professional services.
5 Letters
MEANS: A method or instrument by which something can be achieved; a medium or an instrumentality.
6 Letters
OFFICE: A department or branch performing a particular function, especially one of a large organization or government.
BUREAU: A government department or a specialized division of a large organization, such as a news bureau.
ACTION: The capacity or power of acting; operation; specifically, the capacity to produce an effect, i.e., agency.
More About "agency crossword clue"
The term "agency" is a versatile one in crosswords, often leading to a wide array of potential answers. It can refer to a specific governmental or non-governmental organization, an office or department, or even an abstract concept like the means by which something is achieved. This broadness is why clues for "agency" can sometimes feel tricky, as they require careful consideration of the word's various meanings.
Common themes for "agency" answers often revolve around governmental bodies, both domestic and international. Acronyms are particularly prevalent, as seen with answers like FBI, CIA, and NSA. However, don't limit your thinking to just intelligence or law enforcement; an 'agency' could also be a travel agency, an advertising agency, or even a literary agency. The context of surrounding words and the specific phrasing of the clue are always key.
Beyond organizations, 'agency' can imply 'action' or 'means'. For example, if a clue points to the "power or means by which an effect is produced," the answer could be 'ACTION' or 'MEANS'. This semantic flexibility is a hallmark of good crossword clues, making them challenging yet satisfying to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the provided answer blanks to the number of letters in potential solutions. This immediately narrows down the options significantly.
- Look for Acronyms: Given the prevalence of governmental and organizational bodies, be prepared for answers that are common abbreviations (e.g., FBI, CIA, WHO, NATO).
- Consider Broader Meanings: If specific agency names don't fit, think about the more abstract meanings of "agency," such as 'means,' 'action,' or 'power,' which are also valid crossword answers.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most effective strategy is to use letters already filled in from intersecting clues. These letters will often confirm or eliminate potential "agency" answers quickly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'agency' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'agency' can refer to a governmental body (like FBI, CIA, NSA), a business firm, a branch or division of an organization (an 'arm'), or even the means or power by which something is accomplished ('action' or 'means'). The specific context of the clue and existing letters will guide the answer.
How do I choose the correct 'agency' answer from multiple options?
To pinpoint the correct answer, always check the letter count and any intersecting letters from other clues. The setter might also include subtle hints in the clue, such as 'US spy org' for CIA, or 'tax collector' for IRS, narrowing down the possibilities.
Are common abbreviations considered 'agencies' in crosswords?
Yes, absolutely! Many governmental and international agencies are frequently represented by their acronyms (e.g., FBI, CIA, NSA, WHO, NATO). These are very common crossword answers, especially for shorter word lengths.