Definitions

spotter

[spot-er] / ˈspɒt ər /

NOUN

detector

Synonyms

STRONGEST

radar

STRONG

discoverer locater pointer warner

WEAK

revealer

NOUN

finder

Synonyms

STRONG

acquirer appropriator claimant discoverer

WEAK

search party

Antonyms

WEAK

loser owner stray

NOUN

lookout

Synonyms

STRONGEST

sentry

STRONG

anchor beacon belvedere case citadel cupola hawk observance observation observatory outlook overlook panorama patrol post scene scout sentinel station surveillance tip tower view vigil vigilance ward watch watcher

WEAK

catbird seat crow's nest eagle eye watch person watchtower weather eye

Antonyms

STRONG

carelessness heedlessness indifference neglect thoughtlessness

NOUN

picket

Synonyms

STRONGEST

sentry

STRONG

guard lookout patrol scout sentinel ward watch

WEAK

watchperson

NOUN

private detective

Synonyms

STRONGEST

detective gumshoe private eye private investigator sleuth

WEAK

P.I. Sherlock Holmes beagle dick flatfoot inquiry agent inspector investigator operative private dick skip tracer sleuthhound tec

NOUN

scout

Synonyms

STRONGEST

detective recruiter

STRONG

advance adventurer escort explorer guard lookout outpost outrider patrol picket pioneer precursor runner sleuth spy vanguard

WEAK

bird dog reconnoiterer

Antonyms

WEAK

target

NOUN

spy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agent detective informer investigator mole operative secret agent secret service undercover agent

STRONG

emissary lookout observer patrol plant scout sleeper sleuth snoop watcher

WEAK

double agent espionage agent foreign agent inside agent intelligencer plumber

NOUN

watchkeeper

Synonyms

WEAK

caretaker curator custodian detective flagger guard keeper lookout observer patrol picket police officer ranger scout security guard security officer sentinel sentry signaller spy ward warden watch watcher

NOUN

watchman

Synonyms

STRONGEST

caretaker custodian patrolman policeman warden

STRONG

curator detective guard keeper lookout observer patrol picket ranger scout sentinel sentry signalman spy ward watch watcher

WEAK

flagman security guard security man

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.

The surge of immigration detention flights at Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport spurred plane spotter Nick Benson to shift from tracking rare and unusual aircraft to cataloging the removal of detainees from Minnesota.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

The macro and thematic equity research group founded by investor and trend spotter James van Geelen saw positive returns — up to 75% — on nearly all of their 2025 calls.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

He would be driving a spotter car mounted with plate readers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

He spent a lot of time as a "spotter", watching out for known trouble-makers, gathering operational intelligence, and helping to defuse potential flashpoints at football games.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2025

“First, you gotta pay the fisherman for his fuel and his time. Then, you gotta pay the spotter to find the shark.”

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

spotter

Example Sentences

Related Words