: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities
Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph StairSmartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—Dan Goodin
Dan GoodinExamples of spyware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The spyware comes with an impressive list of capabilities:
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—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
In addition, the spyware can configure itself to display messages to the user in Korean or English.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
The spokesperson said that those believed to be affected have been notified through WhatsApp chat and have been provided information on how to protect themselves from spyware.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
These comments target the populations that have been most vulnerable to overzealous spyware campaigns in other Western democracies.
—Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spyware
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Zak Doffman, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
In addition, the spyware can configure itself to display messages to the user in Korean or English.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
The spokesperson said that those believed to be affected have been notified through WhatsApp chat and have been provided information on how to protect themselves from spyware.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
These comments target the populations that have been most vulnerable to overzealous spyware campaigns in other Western democracies.
—Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spyware
Cite this Entry
“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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