leaker
Anonymous news source
A leaker is someone who discloses confidential information to the public or press without authorization.
The term usually applies to government or corporate insiders who reveal secrets: The administration launched an investigation to identify the leaker.
Leaker carries less heroic connotations than whistleblower—it emphasizes the breach of trust rather than the public interest served.
Insider who reports misconduct
- sourcePoint of origin
- tipsterOne who shares predictions
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- insiderOne with confidential access
snitch · rat · deep throat · tattletale · betrayer · traitor · blabbermouth · squealer
whistleblower
Insider who reports misconduct
insider · snitch · rat · deep throat · tattletale · betrayer · traitor · blabbermouth · squealer · nark
crack
Narrow break or attempt
split · hole · corrosion · deterioration · wear · damage · gasket · drip · seepage · breach
- whistleblowingexpose, hotline, disclosure form, informant, tip
- truth revealerstruth teller, straight shooter, straight talker, eyewitness, informant
- unnamed peopleJohn Doe, Jane Doe, anonymous author, unidentified body, stranger
- blabbermouthsblabbermouth, gossipmonger, rumormonger, scandalmonger, talebearer
- defamersdefamer, slanderer, libeler, calumniator, maligner
- Hackershacker, black hat, cracker, script kiddie, hacktivist
leakerpress secretary
Official media liaison
communications director · press officer · authorized representative · spokesman · spokeswoman
leakerconfidant
Trusted keeper of secrets
gatekeeper · censor · guardian · classifier · vault
leakerloyalist
Faithful supporter of authority
faithful servant · team player · company man · true believer · confidant
- gas leakUncontrolled fuel emission
- take a leakVoid urine informally
- water leakUnwanted fluid escape
- leak outEscape or emerge slowly
- spring a leakDevelop a hole that admits fluid
- leaky faucetFaulty water fixture