What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snooper
Example
The neighbor is a snooper, always peeking through the window to see what we're doing. [snooper: noun]
Example
She couldn't resist snooping around his room when he wasn't home. [snooping: gerund or present participle]
spy
Example
The government sent a spy to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters. [spy: noun]
Example
He was caught spying on his competitor's business operations. [spying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spy is more commonly used than snooper in everyday language. Spy is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, including espionage, surveillance, and investigation. On the other hand, snooper is less common and often associated with a more informal and casual tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snooper and spy?
While snooper is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, spy is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.