espionage

noun

ˈe-spē-ə-ˌnäzh How to pronounce espionage (audio)
Definition of espionagenext
as in spying
the secret gathering of information on others the acts of espionage on behalf of the Confederacy carried on by Belle Boyd and Rose Greenhow

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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 espionage The agents infiltrate dangerous circles, gather intelligence and help carry out missions traditional espionage methods can’t reach. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 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 That misconceived rogue-robot sequel to the campy 2022 treat diluted the original’s cheeky horror comedy by overloading on messy espionage elements. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for espionage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espionage
spying
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

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espies
espionage
esplanade
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Cite this Entry

“Espionage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espionage. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on espionage

Nglish: Translation of espionage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about espionage

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