Synonyms of surveillance

surveillance

noun

sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s 

1

as in stewardship

the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control

a neutral country charged with the surveillance of the post-war rebuilding effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stewardship
• supervision
• oversight
• management
• control
• policing
• regulation
• monitoring
• leadership
• care
• guidance
• charge
• government
• superintendence
• administration
• observation
• superintendency
• headship
• direction
• observing
• observance
• protection
• running
• steering
• piloting
• rule
• auspices
• generalship
• reign
• guardianship
• trusteeship
• hand(s)
• shepherding
• tutelage
• aegis

2

as in watch

an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity

government surveillance of suspected terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• watch
• lookout
• inspection
• vigil
• supervision
• observation
• scrutiny
• observance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of surveillance

These areas function as a modern-day no-man’s-land between Russian and Ukrainian positions, where persistent drone surveillance and strikes make movement extremely dangerous. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Competitors step in License plate readers are only one piece of a growing police surveillance industry. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 Aug. 2026

Big Brother, the surveillance state prophesied by George Orwell, has a new name — Flock. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

The family had removed their home’s Ring camera in the minutes after the shooting, police said, but officers recovered surveillance footage from elsewhere that showed Willis had not acted aggressively towards Martinez in the driveway. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026