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
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Recent Examples of spy
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 Apr. 2025
Among the nonfiction titles are an immersive history of Russian spy networks and a reappraisal of the American Revolution tied to the 250th anniversary of its first battle.
—Monitor Contributors, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Apr. 2025
John Archer, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Shauna then spies a swarm of moths attracted to a fluorescent light in the ceiling, dooming themselves to fly toward nothingness again and again and again.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Coming in third is 20th Century and Disney’s Rami Malek spy thriller The Amateur.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 Apr. 2025
Among the nonfiction titles are an immersive history of Russian spy networks and a reappraisal of the American Revolution tied to the 250th anniversary of its first battle.
—Monitor Contributors, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
That’s a lot of hours to fill in an environment where music is the only entertainment (aside from games of I spy…) that the driver, at least, can safely enjoy.
—John Archer, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Shauna then spies a swarm of moths attracted to a fluorescent light in the ceiling, dooming themselves to fly toward nothingness again and again and again.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
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Rather, Nick Badolato, a Brooklyn Conservative Party operative, collected signatures to run on the party’s line against Zhuang.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2025
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In one case, operatives posing as art dealers interested in purchasing a work by a dissident artist secretly installed surveillance equipment in his workplace and a GPS tracker on his car.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Raducanu spotted him and approached the umpire in tears during the second game, retreating behind the official’s chair.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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The two were most recently spotted together at Los Angeles’ Birds Street Cafe on Sunday (Mar. 23).—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Those qualities should top your list of agent must-haves, along with clear communication and high client ratings.—
Berit Thorkelson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
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Sellers can now choose whether to offer buyer agent compensation through MLS platforms—a change that has already begun reshaping how homes are bought and sold across the country.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Amid the uncertainty, European companies are eyeing an opportunity to pivot away from the U.S. market to avoid the effects of the tariffs.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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New technology being eyed for the fall would also allow students to use a badge when boarding and exiting the bus.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Want to see what else is up for grabs during Wayfair’s undercover Kelly Clarkson Home sale?—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
6 Feb. 2025
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The Confidential Rental and Leasing Office, created under former Commissioner Ray Kelly, has an important core purpose: to give investigators, including undercovers, a way to procure and use a range of vehicles that don’t automatically give them away, which standard unmarked cop cars tend to do.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Filing electronically is usually the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds, as the system flags common errors that taxpayers may otherwise not notice.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The mole is larger than 6 millimeters across Evolving: The mole's appearance changes Prevention of Skin Cancer Most cases of skin cancer are due to skin damage from UV rays.—
Casey Gallagher,
Health,
15 Apr. 2025
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The menu was created by executive chef Fernanda Serrano and takes cues from her upbringing in Mexico, with cuisine highlights like pink mole and pulpo pibil.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Now in their early to mid-30s, both authors have seen their stories grow into global phenomena, with millions of readers and successful film adaptations.—
Veronica Villafañe,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Apple, which relies on a supply chain based largely in China, saw shares climb 2.2%.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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