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
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Recent Examples of spy
Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025
Chard’s statements came shortly after insiders close to the Prince of Wales told The Times U.K. that there won’t be a role for Andrew given his controversial ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Some two weeks after Resilience's hard landing, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spied the lander's gravesite from its perch in orbit around the moon.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Reporting from human intelligence assets – spies or unwitting informers with firsthand or secondhand knowledge – may provide information on internal Iranian assessments.
—Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025
Chard’s statements came shortly after insiders close to the Prince of Wales told The Times U.K. that there won’t be a role for Andrew given his controversial ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
Over the fence, folks can spy the cavernous stage and the scaffolding above for the technical crew still in place, and that sparks memories.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Some two weeks after Resilience's hard landing, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spied the lander's gravesite from its perch in orbit around the moon.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
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The North Korean cyber operatives often take on projects involving virtual currency exchanges, enabling them to more easily launder money back to the regime, undetected.—
July 8,
CBS News,
8 July 2025
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Aside from covert operatives launching short-range drones from within Iran to strike strategic targets, Israel also relied overwhelmingly on its airpower to hit strategic and leadership targets during the campaign.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Singer and actress Dua Lipa and American actor turned racer Patrick Dempsey were spotted at the event, while popular F1 names included Williams team principal James Vowles, McLaren CEO Zak Brown, former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, and the Haas F1 team.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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While browsing the agency's website, Kelly spotted a little girl with spina bifida.—
Analisa Novak,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The premium Grok 4 Heavy tier employs multiple parallel AI agents that debate solutions collaboratively to boost complex problem-solving.—
Gerui Wang,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Those statements prompted the agents to acquire a warrant and arrest the couple the following day.—
Jimmy Jenkins,
AZCentral.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Since then, the founders have been eyeing a big expansion in the United States.—
Simone Melvin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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The film is eyeing a late 2025 delivery with major festival berths in its sights.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 July 2025
Noun
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Michael Fassbender stars as Martian, a CIA spy who’s recalled to London after years of living deep undercover in Ethiopia.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
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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
Verb
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Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.—
Kelley Carlson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
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Eagle-eyed royal watchers also may have noticed Meghan’s outfit for the occasion.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
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Of course, most Americans don't associate Cinco de Mayo with mole poblano, but rather alcohol.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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Sometimes homeowners mistake mole damage for vole damage, says Pierce.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
Verb
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According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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What areas in Texas have flooded? Can't see our graphics?—
George Petras,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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