double agent

noun

Synonyms of double agentnext
: a spy pretending to serve one government while actually serving another

Examples of double agent in a Sentence

He was secretly working as a double agent for the Americans during the war.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The cast includes Nicolas Cage as Dusko Popov, a real-life double agent who is said to have inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond character, as well as Matthew Goode, Ben Kingsley, Ron Perlman and Michael Sheen. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Garner played double agent Sydney Bristow in Alias from 2001 to 2006. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 An Associated Press investigation into Rocha found several red flags overlooked along the way, including a warning that one longtime CIA operative received nearly two decades ago that Rocha was working as a double agent. — Joshua Goodman, Arkansas Online, 10 May 2026 Some refuse to cooperate, some may even act as double agents. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for double agent

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double agent was in 1935

Rhymes for double agent

See All Rhymes for double agent

Browse Nearby Words

double-action harrow
double agent
double album
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Cite this Entry

“Double agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20agent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on double agent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for double agent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about double agent

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