spylike
Like an agent
Resembling or characteristic of a spy—secretive, stealthy, or suggestive of espionage: He moved through the building with spylike caution.
The word describes behavior, appearance, or mannerisms that evoke cloak-and-dagger intrigue, whether in earnest or playfully: She gave him a spylike glance before passing the note.
One who acts independently
- operativeCovert field agent
- CIAU.S. foreign intelligence service
- KGBUSSR intelligence service
- MI6UK espionage agency
Mossad · intelligence · surveillance · counterintelligence · handler · asset · informant · reconnaissance
Secret, undetected movement
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- incognitoWith identity concealed
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
camouflage · hidden · concealed · shadowy · cloak-and-dagger · furtive · surreptitious · sneaky
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- gadgetsSmall mechanical contrivances
- missionPurpose-driven task
- codenameSecret identifying label
- villainWicked story antagonist
martini · tuxedo · disguise · rendezvous · dossier · microfilm · laser · Q
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
subterfuge · treachery · betrayal · double-dealing · collusion · stratagem · power-play · ruse
agent
One who acts independently
MI6 · Mossad · intelligence · surveillance · counterintelligence · handler · asset · informant · reconnaissance · sleeper
stealth
Secret, undetected movement
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- incognitoWith identity concealed
disguise · camouflage · hidden · concealed · shadowy · cloak-and-dagger · furtive · surreptitious · sneaky · stealthy
thriller
Suspense-driven narrative genre
villain · martini · tuxedo · disguise · rendezvous · dossier · microfilm · laser · Q · assassin
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
manipulation · subterfuge · treachery · betrayal · double-dealing · collusion · stratagem · power-play · ruse · ploy
spylikeconspicuous
Clearly visible, attention-grabbing
obvious · attention-grabbing · prominent · noticeable · flashy
spylikeovert
Plainly apparent to all
open · transparent · aboveboard · forthright · unconcealed
like, spy, spying, spied, spies, espionage, spyglass, spyware, counterspy