spy 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spynext
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

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spy

2 of 2

verb

ˈspī How to pronounce spy (audio)
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
Noun
Currently filming a spy comedy film for Netflix opposite Kevin Hart and Henry Cavill, she is repped by Gersh, Door 24 and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 For one spy to die for another to live would be very, well, MI5 of them. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
In a Russian state TV video report, three masked men in black uniforms handcuffed ​a man lying on the ground as a voice off camera said he was suspected of spying. — CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 It is understood Kering plans to build on the foundation left by Vaccarello, also spying additional opportunities in jewelry. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
  1. operative
  2. spot
  3. agent
  4. eye
  5. undercover
  6. notice
  7. mole
  8. see
Noun
  • Later that year, the Russian operative gave the Dutch spies access to one of the GRU’s most sensitive assets.
    — Matthew Cole, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Friend soon landed Pride & Prejudice and eventually got to play a CIA operative on Homeland.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of operative
Verb
  • Happy peasants, miserable millionaires Graham first spotted the pattern in China.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The rapper, who turns 40 tomorrow, was spotted heading to an early birthday dinner at Mamo restaurant in New York City, dressed in a look that wouldn’t have been entirely out of place in Moss’s or Miller’s mid-aughts wardrobe.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of spot
Noun
  • According to Jáuregui’s defense team, the federal prosecutor’s office said the agents were close to the person who led the operation, the Chihuahua investigations chief who was one of two deceased Mexicans.
    — María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Even nicotine-free formulas contain flavorings and solvent agents like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of agent
Verb
  • Two more original Glee cast members are eyeing a return for the Disney+/Hulu reboot.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Newsom, who's preparing to leave office in January and eyeing a 2028 presidential run, argued the mandate would improve workplace collaboration and innovation, which will help government better serve the public.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of eye
Noun
  • Some retired employees who worked undercover might need protection services like relocation assistance or even name changes if their data is exposed publicly.
    — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike its restaurant reviewers, who are anonymous and work undercover, Michelin’s winery experts had to make appointments at each winery to evaluate several vintages of the wine as well as the vineyards and winemaking facilities.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Verb
  • Senior lineman/tight end Zavion Brown has noticed Litke’s growth.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • As petrified parents filed into the warehouse-like church nestled in a strip mall and took seats on folding chairs, Michelle noticed a woman near the front, sitting alone.
    — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of notice
Noun
  • But War suddenly remembers that Johnny is supposed to be a mole of some consequence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There are now apps and AI tools that promise to check your moles with a quick photo.
    — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mole
Verb
  • Protesters, many of whom have been seen carrying Palestinian flags, have set fire to historic buildings and attacked civilians.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • American Transmission Company, a utility firm that develops and manages high-voltage transmission lines, has seen rapid growth, in part thanks to the AI and data center buildout.
    — Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of see

Browse Nearby Words

sputum
spy
spying
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Cite this Entry

“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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