Synonyms for

Espionage

Verb / ˈespi:ʌnɑ:dʒ / Another word for espionage — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the practice of spying or using spies to obtain information about the plans and activities of a foreign government or a competing company

Synonyms & similar words

spying surveillance infiltration counterintelligence snooping reconnaissance investigation eavesdropping wiretapping bugging espial observation shadowing stalking

Synonyms by register

Formal

spying intelligence gathering covert operations surveillance

Informal

snooping peeping eavesdropping

Literary

shadowing undercover work

Antonyms

openness honesty transparency candor frankness disclosure

Common collocations

  • industrial espionage
  • economic espionage
  • state-sponsored espionage
  • corporate espionage
  • espionage activities
  • espionage case
  • espionage charges

Word family

noun espionage
verb espionage

Usage note

Espionage refers to the act of obtaining secret or confidential information without the permission of the holder. It is typically associated with government intelligence agencies but can also refer to corporate or industrial spying.

Example sentences

  1. The spy was caught in the act of espionage.
  2. The government used espionage to gather information about their enemies.
  3. Espionage is illegal in most countries.
  4. The company hired a team of spies to engage in espionage against their competitors.
  5. The spy agency specializes in espionage and counterintelligence.

Quotes

  • Espionage is the world's second-oldest profession - and it's just as honorable.
  • Espionage, for the most part, involves finding a person who knows something or has something that you can induce them secretly to give to you.
  • Espionage is not a profession, it's a disease.

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