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 was inspired by a real-life account of a French diplomat who has a Chinese mistress for 20 years, seemingly unaware that his paramour is actually a man, and a Communist spy. —Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026

Netflix announced Monday that season four of the spy thriller, which is starting production in Los Angeles, will be the last one for the show. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026

Verb

The lush property is a nature lover’s dream with its tropical garden and opportunities to spy native species from iguanas to flamingos. —Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Determined to spy her way out of Gilead, Daisy uses the tea party as a chance to snoop around Commander MacKenzie’s study. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026