codeword
Spy's verbal key
A codeword is a word or phrase with a secret or prearranged meaning, used to communicate without others understanding: The codeword for the operation was "Neptune".
In espionage or military contexts, codewords classify sensitive information.
More loosely, codeword describes any term that signals membership or shared understanding: "States' rights" became a codeword for racial segregation.
Clue-based letter grid
- cryptogramCoded message puzzle
- cipherHidden writing system
- crypticObscure in meaning
- anagramReshuffled letter word
acrostic · rebus · clue · mystery · enigma · riddle · brainteaser · secret message
Covert information gatherer
- agentOne who acts independently
- operativeCovert field agent
- handlerOne who manages something
- dead dropSecret exchange location
brush pass · double agent · sleeper cell · mole · asset · tradecraft · intelligence · counterintelligence
Authentication word sequence
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- loginAuthentication act or screen
- accessRight to enter
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
key · unlock · verification · entry · reset · recovery · authorize · secure
Converting data into code
- cryptographyScience of secure messaging
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
- AESSymmetric encryption standard
RSA · SSL · TLS · obfuscate · firewall · cybersecurity · VPN · breach
Restricted from disclosure
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- top secretHighest classification level
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
- need-to-knowAccess limited by necessity
black site · mission · tactical · strategic · DEFCON · contingency · protocol · briefing
Exchanging ideas or information
- transmissionSending of information
- messageTransmitted communication
- radioElectromagnetic wave receiver
- telegraphElectrical message system
semaphore · beacon · flare · alert · rendezvous · all-clear · distress call · challenge-response
crossword
Clue-based letter grid
- cryptogramCoded message puzzle
- cipherHidden writing system
- crypticObscure in meaning
anagram · acrostic · rebus · clue · mystery · enigma · riddle · brainteaser · secret message · hidden meaning
spy
Covert information gatherer
dead drop · brush pass · double agent · sleeper cell · mole · asset · tradecraft · intelligence · counterintelligence · safe house
passphrase
Authentication word sequence
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- loginAuthentication act or screen
- accessRight to enter
credentials · key · unlock · verification · entry · reset · recovery · authorize · secure · gateway
encryption
Converting data into code
- cryptographyScience of secure messaging
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
AES · RSA · SSL · TLS · obfuscate · firewall · cybersecurity · VPN · breach · hacker
classified
Restricted from disclosure
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- top secretHighest classification level
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
need-to-know · black site · mission · tactical · strategic · DEFCON · contingency · protocol · briefing
communication
Exchanging ideas or information
- transmissionSending of information
- messageTransmitted communication
- radioElectromagnetic wave receiver
telegraph · semaphore · beacon · flare · alert · rendezvous · all-clear · distress call · challenge-response
- puzzlespuzzles, sudoku, jigsaw puzzle, puzzle cube, crossword
- word gamescrossword, Scrabble, crossword puzzle, anagram, anagrams
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying
- secret codescipher, passphrase, cipher key, ciphers, codebook
- word phraseslost for words, at a loss for words, in other words, put into words, beyond words
- shared secretPIN, encryption key, safe combination, secret handshake, inside joke
codewordplain language
Easily understood communication
plaintext · plainspoken · plain text · cleartext · clear speech
codewordpublic announcement
Official communication to all
plain speech · common parlance · everyday language · universal language · everyday speech