spying
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for spying, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of secretly watching or gathering information; espionage.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Full origin of spying →Frequently asked questions
What does “spying” mean?
The word “spying” means the act of secretly watching or gathering information; espionage. In plain terms, espionage — secretly observing or collecting information.
How do you pronounce “spying”?
“Spying” is pronounced SPEYE-ihng (/ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spying” in a sentence?
Here is “spying” used in a sentence: “He was arrested on charges of spying for a foreign government.”
What part of speech is “spying”?
“Spying” is a noun.
Is “spying” a common word?
“Spying” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between spying and surveillance?
Spying generally refers to secretly watching or gathering information, often with connotations of espionage between rival states, organizations, or individuals, while surveillance is a broader, more neutral term that can include lawful monitoring, such as security cameras. Spying more strongly implies secrecy and a lack of consent from the party being watched.
Is spying always illegal?
Not necessarily; spying can be illegal when it violates privacy laws or national security regulations, but some forms of information gathering, such as authorized intelligence work by government agencies, are conducted within a legal framework. The legality depends heavily on the methods used and the jurisdiction involved.
What is the difference between spying and espionage?
Spying and espionage are closely related, with espionage typically used as the more formal or technical term for the organized act of secretly gathering intelligence, especially in a political or military context. Spying is the more everyday word covering the same basic activity, including less formal or interpersonal cases.