: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities
Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph StairSmartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—Dan Goodin
Dan GoodinExamples of spyware in a Sentence
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Note: While a factory reset removes most malware, extremely advanced spyware may persist.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
The agencies' past dealings with the Israeli spyware company had previously been disclosed by The New York Times, which said the CIA bankrolled Djibouti's purchase of NSO spyware and the bureau bought it for testing, but the trial put a price tag on the relationship.
—Raphael Satter, USA Today, 8 May 2025
Use strong antivirus software to scan for keyloggers or spyware.
5.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Advertisement In January, Meta alleged that journalists and other WhatsApp users had been targeted by spyware from Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware maker.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 18 June 2025
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
The agencies' past dealings with the Israeli spyware company had previously been disclosed by The New York Times, which said the CIA bankrolled Djibouti's purchase of NSO spyware and the bureau bought it for testing, but the trial put a price tag on the relationship.
—Raphael Satter, USA Today, 8 May 2025
Use strong antivirus software to scan for keyloggers or spyware.
5.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Advertisement In January, Meta alleged that journalists and other WhatsApp users had been targeted by spyware from Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware maker.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spyware
Cite this Entry
“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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