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Definitions

spy

[spahy] / spaɪ /
NOUN
person who secretly finds out about another's business
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agent detective informer investigator mole operative secret agent secret service undercover agent
STRONG
emissary lookout observer patrol plant scout sleeper sleuth snoop spotter watcher
WEAK
double agent espionage agent foreign agent inside agent intelligencer plumber
VERB
secretly follow, watch another's actions
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discover examine scrutinize snoop
STRONG
case eyeball glimpse meddle notice observe peep pry reconnoiter scout search shadow sleuth spot stag tail trail view watch
WEAK
catch sight of fish out get a load of keep under surveillance look for recon set eyes on stake out take in take note
Antonyms
STRONG
ignore miss neglect overlook

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It's well known the US regularly flies a U-2 spy plane from RAF Akrotiri, though it's not publicly acknowledged.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Fourth place went to Hindi-language spy thriller "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" with $4.75 million.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

The British spy isn’t exactly surprised and certainly not upset.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The court heard how Farooq's first target was RAF Menwith Hill, a spy base near Harrogate which is operated by US and UK staff.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Reporters followed her around at first, snapping photos of the wife of the famous spy pilot, before gradually losing interest.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.