The term 'SPREADS RUMORS' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: GOSSIP (7 letters) and NOISES (6 letters). GOSSIP is the act of talking about someone or something in a way that is not necessarily true, often with malicious intent. It is usually done behind someone's back and can cause a lot of damage to a person's reputation. Noises are sounds that are made by people or things, often unintentionally. In the context of spreading rumors, noises can refer to the sound of GOSSIP being spread from one person to another.