What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snoop
Example
She always snoops around her neighbor's house to see what they're up to. [snoops: verb]
Example
I had a quick snoop through his phone while he was in the bathroom. [snoop: noun]
spy
Example
He was caught spying on the enemy's military base. [spying: verb]
Example
The government sent a spy to infiltrate the terrorist organization. [spy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snoop is more commonly used than spy in everyday language. Snoop is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way, while spy is associated with more serious or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snoop and spy?
Spy is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in the context of government or military operations. Snoop is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.