counterespionage

noun

coun·​ter·​es·​pi·​o·​nage ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈe-spē-ə-ˌnäzh How to pronounce counterespionage (audio)
-ˌnäj, 
-nij
Canadian also -ˌnazh;
-ˌe-spē-ə-ˈnäzh;
-ə-ˈspē-ə-nij
Synonyms of counterespionagenext
: the activity concerned with detecting and thwarting enemy espionage

Examples of counterespionage in a Sentence

He was involved in counterespionage against Germany in World War II.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Currently, Roddy and Whelan are both mere novices in the dark arts of counterespionage. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 The latest firings included experts in counterespionage matters. — Perry Stein, Arkansas Online, 28 Feb. 2026 But the ruling raises serious questions about the agency, which focuses on counterespionage, terrorism and sabotage. — Willem Marx, NPR, 3 July 2025 China’s recent expansion of its counterespionage law to cover a much wider array of information, coupled with raids on some advisory firms and a pickup in exit bans on foreigners, has made the business environment more uncertain. — Jami Miscik, Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for counterespionage

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterespionage was in 1899

Rhymes for counterespionage

See All Rhymes for counterespionage

Browse Nearby Words

counterenamel
counterespionage
counteretch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterespionage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterespionage. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for counterespionage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about counterespionage

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