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
Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Xi’s brand of resentful nationalism, meanwhile, comes with a strong anti-American streak, and security apparatchiks see CIA spies everywhere.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Remember the spies, Boris and Natasha?
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Xi’s brand of resentful nationalism, meanwhile, comes with a strong anti-American streak, and security apparatchiks see CIA spies everywhere.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 28 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
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
-
Authorities should also examine whether Allen was known to authorities and, if so, whether intelligence operatives could have pieced together his train travel and arrival in the president’s orbit, Shortland said.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Laron is the son of Ronnie Major, an ex-high-ranking Sin City Disciples operative, who was sentenced to over 24 years in prison in October.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nicknamed by German media after a beach in Timmendorfer, near the Baltic island where the whale was initially stranded, the creature was first spotted in low-saline waters, which whales usually avoid, Reuters reported.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Observers can also spot the impact of climate policies.—
Laura Martin Agudelo,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the question of criminal referrals, the commission’s report urged DHS to restrict certain ICE and Customs and Border Protection practices, including the use of chemical agents, physical force and vehicle pursuits during civil immigration enforcement.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Beginning in the late 1970s, it was occupied by actor, puppeteer, and voice artist Chuck McCann and his wife, William Morris agent Betty Fanning, who lived there for 45 years until their deaths in 2018 and early 2026, respectively.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Microsoft still retains its equity stake in OpenAI’s for-profit company, as that company eyes a possible IPO later this year.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In 2027, the space agency is eyeing up to 30 more uncrewed landings.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Chee goes further undercover.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Sources close to production reveal his character is working undercover.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The other option was a crémeuxso, a Mexican spin on a French custard with mole, pepitas, coffee and benne (sesame seeds).—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Eventually, Deckinga had up to 10 accounts, as the social media service attempted to play whack-a-mole.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The fact is that recent or older series can gain new footholds with modern viewers who haven’t seen them.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Actor Sarah Jessica Parker was seen walking down the grand staircase at the New York Public Library with Queen Camilla after a literacy event this afternoon.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
