spy 1 of 2

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

Examples 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
The series also stars Ben Whishaw as Helen’s best friend and fellow spy Sam, Sarah Lancashire as Black Doves boss Mrs Reed and Omari Douglas as Sam’s ex-boyfriend Michael. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 Starring Keira Knightley as Helen Webb, a normal mother and wife who happens to be a professional spy, the limited series is set against the backdrop of London at Christmas, according to Netflix's description. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
Dobbins spied Greg Roman, newly hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024 Dobbins spied Joe Hortiz, newly hired as the Chargers’ general manager after several decades filling various roles in the scouting department with the Ravens. Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
  • The film centers on an ex-special ops operative who investigates a cybercrime syndicate after a young woman falls victim to a scam.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Along with billing itself as the world's largest provider of canine detections, Allied provides armed operatives that Kucera said have been in more demand the last 18 months and really since societal tensions heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner have been spotted in them, and this cozy style with glimmering sequins will add a little extra sparkle to your winter shoedrobe.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Some of the drones, or multiple sightings of the same drone, have been spotted over military installations and other sensitive sites such as President-elect Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
    John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Smirnov’s tenure as a confidential source for the FBI ended in spectacular fashion in February, with a grand jury in L.A. charging him with obstructing justice and lying to federal agents.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The money is earmarked for further investment in the technology underpinning the platform – including features such as artificial intelligence agents that support sellers – and to put staff on the ground in its biggest markets, such as the US and the Middle East.
    David Prosser, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Harry Potter series is likely to not even begin filming until 2026, eyeing a 2027 release date.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Some seemed camera shy, eyeing the person filming to get out of their space, while others sniffed the camera out of curiosity.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Starring Sean Penn, it was based on a book Crowe wrote after spending a year undercover as a student at Clairemont High School in San Diego.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 11 July 2024
  • Blazer had been wearing a wire, working in tandem with an FBI undercover, ensnaring more than ten coaches in an elaborate plot that revealed corruption in the basketball programs at Louisville, Arizona, LSU, USC and other schools.
    Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2024
Verb
  • Zoom in: Waste Knot Needlepoint owner Lori Mazza started noticing an influx of customers during the pandemic.
    Brianna Crane, Axios, 7 Dec. 2024
  • While at the event, Ray and Cusimano noticed each other because they were surrounded by taller people.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Phoenix’s Mexican cuisine — from tacos to mariscos, the Sonoran hot dog and mole — is award-winning.
    Becky Bartkowski, The Arizona Republic, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Champagnes and white wines are also available, as are signature cocktails like La Pomme d’Or with Macallan 12-year Sherry Cask, Calvados, sweet vermouth, and mole bitters and the Big Apple with Volcan Blanco tequila, mezcal, Verdita, caramelized pineapple, and fresh lime.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • On December 5, the 29-year-old model was seen in a dressed down fall uniform that was, well, both in and out of my price range.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • This legacy in racing has seen the team achieve strong successes, including their first win in 2000 with Robbie Buhl, and a history of fielding prominent drivers such as Al Unser Jr., Sarah Fisher, and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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