Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for spymaster. Search instead for spymasters.

spymaster

American  
[spahy-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈspaɪˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

noun

  1. an espionage agent who directs a network of subordinate agents.


Etymology

Origin of spymaster

First recorded in 1940–45; spy + master

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He handed over the reins of the military to loyalist and former spymaster Ye Win Oo on Monday.

From Barron's Apr. 3, 2026

Handwritten notes on “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” illustrate how he drew on his espionage experience to create the fictional Soviet spymaster Karla, detailing tactics for disguising undercover work and infiltrating British intelligence as a mole.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 26, 2026

The episode sheds some light on Luthen and Kleya’s shared past and how they became the cunning spymaster and capable right hand that audiences have come to know in the series.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 17, 2025

He may be one of the lesser established stars in a cast that includes Lili Taylor and Patton Oswalt as spymaster Lafayette Baker, the detective to Stanton’s administrator, but his pull balances Menzies'.

From Salon Mar. 15, 2024

The spymaster sat back and crossed his legs, looking at his two prisoners with faint amusement.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training