agent
noun
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Definition of agent
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Other Words from agent
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adjective
Synonyms for agent
Synonyms
agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle
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Examples of agent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Blockbuster trades, enormous free-agent contracts, Steinbrenner-esque firings and hirings—those are less prevalent than the cautious, risk-averse management style embraced in today’s game. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "The New World of Cost-Conscious Baseball Has No Room for Dave Dombrowski," 10 Sep. 2019 The Pioneer Press reported last week that Jones, let go to create room on the roster for free-agent wide receiver Josh Doctson, could be re-signed. — Chris Tomasson, Twin Cities, "Center Brett Jones expected to re-sign with Vikings," 9 Sep. 2019 What’s difficult is seeing how things will improve much next year, knowing that the team rarely signs free-agent starting pitchers. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Rockies’ starting rotation for 2020 needs an extreme makeover," 8 Sep. 2019 With Scott inactive, the Ravens will rely on free-agent signing Seth Roberts, who missed the final three games of the preseason with an undisclosed injury. — Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens rookie QB Trace McSorley, G Ben Powers inactive for season opener vs. Dolphins," 8 Sep. 2019 The New England Patriots agreed to terms with free-agent WR Antonio Brown, formerly of the Oakland Raiders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. — Ryan R. Bonini, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Moving the Betting Line: New England Patriots adding Antonio Brown, betting lines take big swing," 7 Sep. 2019 The Hawks have built a nice stable of forward prospects over the last couple of years via trades, the draft and free-agent signings. — Jimmy Greenfield, chicagotribune.com, "4 questions facing the Blackhawks at the NHL Prospect Tournament this weekend, including whether Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist are NHL-ready," 6 Sep. 2019 After leaving Eastern, Johnson signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Braves and played one season in the organization’s Gulf Coast League rookie league affiliate in Bradenton, Fla. — courant.com, "Community News For The Colchester Edition," 6 Sep. 2019 With Grandal in line for a big free-agent payday and unlikely to return to the Brewers, and Piña having recently turned 32, the Brewers will need to fully reassess their catching situation heading into 2020. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Manny Piña sidelined with mild concussion; Jacob Nottingham recalled from minor leagues," 6 Sep. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'agent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for agent
enrolled agent
nounFinancial Definition of enrolled agent
What It Is
An enrolled agent (EA) is person who is authorized to represent a taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
How It Works
To become an EA, a person has to pass a three-part comprehensive IRS test of individual and business tax returns or be a former IRS employee with appropriate experience. To maintain the credential, EAs must obey ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years.
The EA designation is the highest one the IRS confers, and EAs have the authority to represent any taxpayer for any tax matter.
Why It Matters
Tax advisors can be CPAs, attorneys, or other people, but not all tax advisors are EAs. Treasury Department Circular No. 230 sets forth the requirements for who can practice before the IRS.
EAs and other tax advisors might help a client structure his assets such that his estate taxes are lower. They might help a company organize itself so that its shareholders pay less in taxes or so that an acquisition does not generate a large tax liability.
Source: Investing Answers
transfer agent
nounFinancial Definition of transfer agent
What It Is
A transfer agent manages and maintains records of who owns a corporation's or mutual fund's stock or bonds. Most transfer agents are banks or trust companies, although some companies act as their own transfer agents.
How It Works
Let's assume Company XYZ is a publicly traded corporation that has 10,000,000 shares outstanding. If the shares trade all day, how does Company XYZ know who owns its shares? The answer lies with the transfer agent.
The transfer agent has three big jobs: 1) to issue and cancel stock certificates (including when a company pays a stock dividend or has a stock split); 2) to be an intermediary that makes the dividend or interest payments, sends out and keeps track of proxy materials, exchanges the company's stock or bonds if a merger occurs, tenders shares when necessary, and mails the company's financials and other reports; and, 3) to deal with replacing lost, stolen, or destroyed certificates.
Why It Matters
Transfer agents are crucial behind-the-scenes entities in the business world because they maintain important information and protect even the smallest shareholder or bondholder's right to information disclosure. Without transfer agents, companies would have to find other ways to manage the incredible, time-consuming tasks of keeping track of the constant changes in shareholder and bondholder information.
Source: Investing Answers
agent
noun
English Language Learners Definition of agent
See the full definition for agent in the English Language Learners Dictionary
agent
noun
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