as in espionage
the secret gathering of information on others
traditionally, anyone caught engaging in spying during wartime was shot or hanged
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in noticing
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spying
Noun
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This wealthy municipality west of Lisbon was a turn-of-the-century haunt for aristocrats in search of its therapeutic thermal waters, before finding wartime fame in the 1940s as a den of espionage on both sides thanks to Portugal’s neutrality.—
Zoë Dare Hall,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025 -
In Trumbull’s case, he was arrested under a charge of espionage.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 July 2025
Verb
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In particular, health districts and hospitals are seeing more flu and pertussis, known as whooping cough.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Jan. 2025
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The games have been about playing spoiler in the NFC playoff picture and seeing what on this 2024 roster is transferrable to the future.—
Saad Yousuf,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Casting of new roles is expected to begin shortly, with production eying a July start, sources said.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
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The Warriors are currently riding high on a five-game win streak, and are eyeing a potential top-four seed in the West.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In particular, participants were given the opportunity to write their representatives regarding the Women’s Global Empowerment, Development and Prosperity Act of 2020, which was under consideration in Congress at the time of the study.—
Kim Elsesser,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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The Heat has had discussions with several teams in recent days regarding a potential Butler trade, according to a league source, but nothing has surfaced enticing enough for Miami to make a deal yet.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Here’s your viewing guide for the NBA’s holiday quintuple.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
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Since many stores will be closed for Christmas, there's no better time to keep your holiday celebration going by viewing some of the best Christmas light displays in Ohio.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
24 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Spying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spying. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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