COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Synonyms: 15 Similar Words

counterintelligence

noun

as in counterespionage

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Example 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 counterintelligence Gabriel Basso stars as Sutherland, a formerly low-level FBI agent who has taken on increasingly dangerous assignments as part of a counterintelligence group within the bureau called Night Action. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026 This lack of capability may be why Gabbard, early on, tried to wrest control of counterintelligence operations from Kash Patel over at the FBI, an effort that failed (and should have). — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026 Qrypt had been negotiating its first large contract, with the Pentagon, until a counterintelligence official called about Broidy’s allegations. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Those concerns came as part of a widening counterintelligence investigation. — Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterintelligence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterintelligence

Noun

The latest firings included experts in counterespionage matters.

— Perry Stein, Arkansas Online, 28 Feb. 2026
The employee filed the complaint with the division director, Robert Turner, a 22-year veteran of the bureau who previously held roles in counterterrorism and counterespionage.

— William Turton, ProPublica, 30 Dec. 2025

Definition of counterespionage

Noun

Citing concerns about espionage and intellectual property theft, the US has refused to work with China and last year even banned visa-holding Chinese nationals from working at NASA.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
She will next be seen alongside Nicolas Cage, Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Michael Sheen and Ben Kingsley in Simon West’s World War II espionage feature Fortitude.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of espionage

Noun

Sultanov was first arrested by Cypriot police in June 2025 on spying and terror charges and has been in custody since, Britain's Counter Terror police confirmed to AFP.

— Mark Osborne, CBS News, 31 July 2026
In the meantime, defense officials, concerned about potential spying, have banned the inexpensive Chinese components that many drone manufacturers use to keep costs low.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Definition of spying

Noun

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended the military strikes, saying at a Senate hearing in June that the Defense Department determined the strikes' legality and based its decisions on intelligence information.

— Chris Boccia, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
So that expedited growth also reflects Simmons’ drive and intelligence — among other traits that animate the athleticism of his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and powerful left throwing arm.

— Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligence

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counterinsurgents

counterintelligence

countermand

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“Counterintelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterintelligence. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterintelligence

noun

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