espying
Glimpsing from afar
Espying is the present participle of espy, a literary verb meaning to catch sight of or notice something, often from a distance or with effort: Espying a figure on the horizon, she quickened her pace.
The word carries an old-fashioned, slightly formal flavor, appearing more often in written narrative than everyday speech.
Perceiving or identifying visually
- sightingInstance of perceiving something
- glimpsingSeeing briefly, incompletely
- noticingBecoming aware of
- catching sight ofBriefly perceiving visually
beholding · perceiving · discerning · watching · gazing · peering · viewing · witnessing
Perceiving or identifying visually
- findingConclusion from investigation
- detectingPerceiving something present
- uncoveringRevealing something hidden
- locatingDetermining position of
identifying · recognizing · stumbling upon · happening upon · catching · revealing · exposing · unearthing
State of keen awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- keen-eyedHaving sharp vision
- sharp-eyedHaving keen vision
- eagle-eyedExceptionally sharp of vision
attentive · alert · perceptive · observant · aware · noticing · on the lookout · wary
Systematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- scoutingObserving to gather information
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- furtiveSecretive and sly
surreptitious · clandestine · shadowing · tailing · tracking · undercover · sleuthing · stakeout
spotting
Perceiving or identifying visually
- sightingInstance of perceiving something
- glimpsingSeeing briefly, incompletely
- noticingBecoming aware of
catching sight of · beholding · perceiving · discerning · watching · gazing · peering · viewing · witnessing · scanning
spotting
Perceiving or identifying visually
- findingConclusion from investigation
- detectingPerceiving something present
- uncoveringRevealing something hidden
locating · identifying · recognizing · stumbling upon · happening upon · catching · revealing · exposing · unearthing · coming across
vigilance
State of keen awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- keen-eyedHaving sharp vision
- sharp-eyedHaving keen vision
eagle-eyed · attentive · alert · perceptive · observant · aware · noticing · on the lookout · wary · mindful
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- scoutingObserving to gather information
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
furtive · surreptitious · clandestine · shadowing · tailing · tracking · undercover · sleuthing · stakeout · keeping tabs
espyingstaring
Gazing without break
scrutinizing · gazing · studying · examining · contemplating
espyingmissing
Not present, whereabouts unknown
overlooking · passing over · ignoring · disregarding · losing sight of
espyinghiding
Staying out of sight
concealing · obscuring · camouflaging · masking · veiling
spy, spying, spied, espionage, espy, spyglass, spyhole, counterspy, spymaster