Definition of emissarynext
1
2
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country the embassy's staff likely contains at least one emissary who reports to the home country's chief of intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of emissary The ruling marks a notable victory for emissaries of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, who have often been met with legal challenges when establishing centers. Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026 The aiyi have sent an emissary to Scythia, who will determine whether the colonists deserve to survive. Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026 The Canadian fighter pilot and physicist is making his space debut, stressful enough, but also serving as his country’s first emissary to the moon. Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 Another kind of story involves one sibling’s work on the other’s behalf, as a kind of representative or emissary. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emissary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emissary
Noun
  • To bring the concept to life, Zegna relocated a large team from Italy, including tailors, stylists, brand ambassadors and creative staff.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
  • In a city best known for politics and international relations, perhaps the greatest ambassadors of all are the famous giant pandas, cared for by zookeepers like Mariel Lally.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Epstein had done some of his own detective work by purchasing a spy camera to catch the culprit, who turned out to be a former butler.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that China was using LinkedIn and other social media platforms to recruit spies.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Miami Herald sources said Anido Cuesta, who lives in Spain, has been traveling to foreign nations lately as an unofficial envoy for his stepfather.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • However, this gradually fades as Rimbaud goes from an adventurous youth in London and Paris to a forward-thinking colonial envoy in Algeria decades later — a passage of time marked by theatrical lighting cues — and Draper’s performance turns inward, becoming meaningfully introspective.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The real payoff is in watching Jackie, along with the actress playing her, slowly molt out of brand protection mode, and the always likable Goldstein is content to accept his role as a mere agent of that change.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
  • Epstein told them to wait, walked over to the agents himself, and returned ten minutes later.
    James Hill, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Weiss and Bilton were present, along with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and a human resources representative, according to a source.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Phelan still serves in the House as the representative for District 21 in Beaumont, Texas.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Applewhaite is among the Democratic operatives publicly criticizing the Biden's public reemergence in recent days — especially Jill Biden's book tour.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • The anti-establishment narrative from Lahn, who resides on his longtime family farm and owns an investment company, has been targeted by Democrats for his years of work as a GOP political operative.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.
    Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
  • Frederiksen said Tafoya's broadcasting career could be an asset in a primary race, though her appeal to convention delegates remains an open question.
    Liz Christy, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • In March, India’s home minister declared that the fight against Naxalism had been won – to thunderous applause in parliament.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • China’s participation has been notably low-key — defense minister Dong Jun missed it for a second year in a row.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Emissary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emissary. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on emissary

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster