reconnaissance

noun

Definition of reconnaissancenext
as in surveillance
military activity in which soldiers, airplanes, etc., are sent to find out information about an enemy There are two helicopters available for reconnaissance. reconnaissance missions

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reconnaissance Ukrainian reconnaissance drones detected the advancing force and directed a rapid response. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 By offering China critical surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities independent of Western systems, BeiDou also boosts Beijing in its ambition to shape international time standards. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance crew is set to investigate the tropical depression. — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026 Typically, the first malware to run was a reconnaissance program that gathered information from the infected device. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reconnaissance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reconnaissance
  1. surveillance
  2. observation
Noun
  • Beijing has appointed its own senior monks, maintained close surveillance and controls on religious expression, and faced allegations of cracking down on peaceful dissent and forcing the large-scale relocation of rural and nomadic Tibetans.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The state's high court also upheld the Fifth Judicial District Court’s ruling that surveillance video showing Trevizo inside the hospital and any body camera footage captured by police were also not admissible in court.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of surveillance
Noun
  • There will also be multicultural food vendors, an international marketplace, community art projects, drum circles, youth soccer, interactive art activities and family programming designed to encourage participation rather than simply observation.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • This proactive approach, combining data analysis with direct observation and long-term vision, positions them for superior returns.
    — James Nelson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of observation

Browse Nearby Words

reconfirmations
reconnaissance
reconnect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reconnaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reconnaissance. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reconnaissance

Nglish: Translation of reconnaissance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reconnaissance

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