Definition of emissarynext
1
2
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country the embassy's staff likely contains at least one emissary who reports to the home country's chief of intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 emissary Internationally, her role as a cultural emissary has earned her widespread recognition, including distinctions connected to UNESCO and other cultural institutions. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026 Sick of It All were NYHC’s most welcoming emissaries, and their mouthpiece was Lou Koller, whose death was announced Friday. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026 The president’s top-two emissaries also happen to be the highest-profile potential candidates to succeed him. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 The water being is an emissary of a much larger civilization, and the team’s survival ultimately depends on their halting interactions with it. — Jenny Odell, Longreads, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for emissary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emissary
Noun
  • The Rhode founder tapped go-to celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, an OPI global ambassador, for the bold look.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Travis Kelce reminded Chiefs fans on Sunday that one of his other day jobs is ambassador — and model — for preppy clothing brand Tommy Hilfiger.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Weeks before the shootdown, the spies allegedly reported on the naval airbase in Key West and were told to transmit Brothers to the Rescue flight data back to the Cuban authorities.
    — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • His sixth great-grandfather was a spy in the Revolutionary War.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Republican president's special envoys such as Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Tom Barrack have taken the lead on those matters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Her status as a special envoy expired last month without renewal, and she has now been moved to another role.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Anyone seeking to hold federal agents accountable must be prepared for a long wait, says Borchetta.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Child welfare agents said abuse may have occurred, but the perpetrator was unknown, according to records reviewed by The Washington Post.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Dori Media, which produces film and TV out of Tel Aviv, Zurich and Buenos Aires, was approached by representatives for Sphereorigin about working together on a film.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Attempts to reach representatives for Jackson were unsuccessful Wednesday.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • His vice president at the nonprofit, a longtime Republican operative, had suggested it, Wilson later testified.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Kenney said the movement also became more professional, building organizations, raising money and drawing in political operatives with campaign and fundraising experience.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The French gêne par procuration delegates discomfort, while the German Fremdschämen means foreign shame.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Organized by the People’s Armed Police, the event brought together more than 320 defense experts and military delegates from 62 countries.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The country's economy minister Roland Lescure has vowed government support for business owners who have suffered losses from the riots.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Eknath Shinde, who visited the family on Sunday night, said five were fired.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emissary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emissary. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster