Synonyms of spy

spy 1 of 2

noun

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

• operative
• agent
• undercover
• mole
• undercover agent
• informer
• secret agent
• spook
• emissary
• asset
• intelligencer
• courier
• sleeper
• counterspy
• spymaster
• double agent
• infiltrator
• stool pigeon
• superspy

spy

2 of 2

verb

ˈspī 

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

• spot
• eye
• notice
• see
• regard
• view
• watch
• sight
• observe
• look (at)
• catch
• discern
• witness
• remark
• perceive
• distinguish
• descry
• espy
• note
• set eyes on
• behold
• get a load of
• identify
• lay eyes on
• pick out
• attend (to)
• inspect
• scan
• glimpse
• scrutinize
• make out
• study
• consider
• examine
• survey
• heed
• mark
• pick up
• glance (at)
• peer (at)
• mind

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• pass over
• disregard
• neglect
• miss
• overlook
• overpass

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spy

Noun

It’s been a long way since then, with regular updates, spy shots, and launch details dropping from time to time. —New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s spy chief, who is accused of having plotted a coup attempt to keep his boss in power. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 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