SPY Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

spy 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spy

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

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

Aid workers are often held for months without charges, accused of being spies for the West or Israel, claims their families deny. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The head of the United Kingdom’s MI5 spy agency said Iran is trying to strike military sites in Britain, going beyond the traditional targets of dissident Iranians. — Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

At a press conference yesterday NASA presented its preliminary findings, which touch on everything from the moon’s surprisingly colorful craters to a series of curious flashes that the astronauts spied in lunar shadows. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 One morning at school, Frida spies bruises on Elia’s back and overhears her and Emmanuel talking about having been disciplined by their parents. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy

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

Definition of operative

Verb

Earlier this year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was spotted breaking bread with HBO chief content officer Casey Bloys.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Krantz said the suspect, a male city resident who has not yet been publicly identified, was spotted entering the school by a community member, who eventually pursued him into the school and shot him.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of spot

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

Definition of agent

Verb

Shares of CoreWeave slid nearly 12% on Friday and dropped roughly 24% this week as investors nervously eye its mounting debt.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The book was at one point set up for feature development at Universal and in the late 2010s was being eyed as a series.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 16 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

Be intentional about noticing autumn and Halloween displays on lawns and porches, which seem as popular as ever this year.

— Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
They are focused on inspecting what is known as the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly that has been visible in aerial photos dating back to 1938 but was first noticed in satellite imagery in 2020.

— Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of notice

Noun

Kristina Schiffman, the founder of UV Sense, told CBS News the company uses AI to educate people about their skin, including a tool for analyzing and tracking moles and other conditions.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Traditional tortillas are made in house, and DePeugh recommends the mole.

— Eva Flowe October 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 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

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sputum

spy

spying

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Style

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

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Synonyms of spy

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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