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
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 spy
Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Forced to team up as partners, the series tackles universal family dynamics against a global backdrop of spies, action, and humor.
—EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
The 39-year-old Englishwoman was removed as Canada coach in August 2024 following the spying scandal that overshadowed the nation’s Olympics campaign.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Shapiro said that the Israel connection was dubious, especially since Israel has sworn off running American Jews as spies in the wake of the catastrophic Jonathan Pollard espionage case in 1986.
—Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Forced to team up as partners, the series tackles universal family dynamics against a global backdrop of spies, action, and humor.
—EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
Espionage Arrests In the past few weeks, Iran has detained over 700 people accused of spying for Israel and the U.S., with state media reporting at least six executions, including three Kurds accused of aiding Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
The 39-year-old Englishwoman was removed as Canada coach in August 2024 following the spying scandal that overshadowed the nation’s Olympics campaign.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
-
Butterfly follows David, a former special operative, who finds out that his estranged daughter, Rebecca, is working for the same dark spy agency, Caddis, that he was forced to flee.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Of the approximately 200 media operatives killed in Gaza in 22 months of war, around 50 have been deliberately targeted, while many others were killed in strikes impacting civilians in the strip, rather than while reporting, Thibaut Bruttin, RSF's director general, told Newsweek.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Though Billy generally stays out of the spotlight, he can occasionally be spotted on Appleton’s Instagram.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
In the final moments of Wednesday Season 4, Tyler spots Wednesday at the end of the hallway and charges at her in full Hyde form.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Producer Berman got a call from Washington’s longtime WME agent, Andrew Finkelstein.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Bondi's directive formed part of Trump's broader declaration of a public safety emergency in D.C. under the Home Rule Act and was accompanied by a surge of federal agents and National Guard troops.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
That ancient proverb captures the mindset of a new wave of American investors eyeing the Middle East not as a geopolitical question mark, but as a global growth engine.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Domestic intelligence has consistently flagged violent militia members and racially motivated extremists eyeing armories as soft targets.—
Dell Cameron,
Wired News,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the police send in state trooper Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) undercover to infiltrate Costello’s crime organization.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Michael Fassbender stars as Martian, a CIA spy who’s recalled to London after years of living deep undercover in Ethiopia.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
Radhi, an Ayurvedic enthusiast, noticed Jay’s sweet tooth was something deeper than an occasional craving.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Other investigators will focus on the crime itself — preserving the crime scene, collecting evidence, and talking to associates who may have noticed something unusual.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Birthmarks and moles are types of skin markings that are mostly harmless.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The Russells’ staff set a successful trap for Miss Andre, eventually revealing her to be the mole.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
European-level success is what sees a great squad become one for the ages in Barcelona.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The Enquirer reached out to Kings Island following the announcement of the ride's closure to see what would replace Boo Blasters and if the building would be torn down.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share