as in operative
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
the government spy risked his life every day in the fight against global terrorism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to spot
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
I spy a motel off in the distance, so let's spend the night there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spy
Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Santat’s illustrations begin with straightforward, muted sincerity and become brighter, busier, and more gleeful—filling every corner of the page—as Sharpson’s narrator becomes ever more unhinged, ranting about fish spies, fish disguises, and fish taking over the world.
—Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Mizan also reported that Iran executed a man on charges of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Mizan said the two, identified as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, were accused of belonging to a spy network linked to Mossad and had received training abroad, including in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
—Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Santat’s illustrations begin with straightforward, muted sincerity and become brighter, busier, and more gleeful—filling every corner of the page—as Sharpson’s narrator becomes ever more unhinged, ranting about fish spies, fish disguises, and fish taking over the world.
—Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Inspiring spiritual imagery abounds, but look closely to spy a VW Beetle hidden in one of the panes.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Mizan also reported that Iran executed a man on charges of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
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His former clients include the political operatives Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro.—
Diego Lasarte,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2026
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During the same period, Democratic operative Mayra Macías reported raising nearly $102,000 and had more than $159,000 on hand.—
Dan Petrella,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Of recent, the actor—now finally finished her mammoth press run—was spotted in Saint-Tropez embracing a distinctly off-beat, anti-boho aesthetic in pooling denim jeans avec a matching bucket hat and brown leather jacket.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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Imagine strolling through Newark Liberty International Airport and spotting puppies at every turn — baggage claim, security checkpoints, boarding gates.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The other soldier is accused of having contact with a foreign agent, transmitting information to the enemy and other offenses, according to the indictment.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
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In an early morning operation, FBI agents executed arrest warrants across Southern California in connection with federal indictments, according to the agency.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its leaders have eyed the narrow waterways like the Strait of Malacca through which this fuel flows as potential chokepoints if a future adversary wanted to strangle Beijing’s supply.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
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And that's especially true for travelers eyeing the dreamy beaches of Sint Maarten.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, Chee goes further undercover.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
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Sources close to production reveal his character is working undercover.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
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Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Voles require different management techniques from other wildlife such as moles or rabbits.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
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Considerably larger than voles and moles, adult groundhogs weigh between 5 and 13 pounds and usually measure around 16 to 22 inches in length.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The cast also includes Naomi Ackie, who is seen in the trailer, reportedly as the scientist Hagen turns to for help following his disfigurement.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Ahmed and Alex, also Arsenal fans, are here hoping to see the same.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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