1
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
Russia recalled its spooks after the collapse of the Soviet Union
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ghost
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people
Halloween is the night when spooks and goblins are said to roam abroad
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the sudden noise spooked her out of her skin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spook
Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 4 May 2025
The ragtag group joins together under the watchful eye of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a morally flexible private-sector spook who has been named the head of the CIA in the new film.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Daisy had gone missing two nights earlier after being spooked by Fourth of July fireworks.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spook
Noun
Come Season 2, Colter and Russell were confronted by a government spook who knew an awful lot about Dad.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 4 May 2025
The ragtag group joins together under the watchful eye of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a morally flexible private-sector spook who has been named the head of the CIA in the new film.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Some argue that federal agents have become spooked in recent years as the threat of doxxing — not just to them, but their families — has magnified.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Daisy had gone missing two nights earlier after being spooked by Fourth of July fireworks.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spook
Noun
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From sci-fi horror and spy thrillers to teen romances, there’s something for everyone to watch on streaming services this month.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Current contenders for the coveted spy role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Rege-Jean Page, to name a few.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Choose from ghosts, black cats, and pumpkins, all with a range of colors to match your home’s color palette.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 July 2025
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The nearly 150-year-old building also comes with a mischievous (and fictitious) ghost the team at Santé’ has dubbed Dante.—
Samantha Husted,
Charlotte Observer,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Stink bugs tend to drop when frightened, so fill a cup with soapy water and hold it under the stink bug.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Indeed, Jared Fleisher, one of Gilbert's top operatives, gave mayoral candidate Fred Durhal III's campaign $2,000.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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Neither a complacent, neutered Congress nor a Supreme Court controlled by lifelong GOP partisan operatives appear willing or able to stop it.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Mercury reaches its point of greatest eastern elongation on Friday (July 4), presenting an excellent opportunity to spot the rocky planet during its evening apparition in the post-sunset sky.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 July 2025
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While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Record company executives, agents, producers and bookers dominate the panel discussions.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Instead, we're meant to interpret the montage as Anna's way of carrying Jamie's spirit with her through her life.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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That spirit of innovation has shaped our approach to programs globally.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spook. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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