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

Frequent population movements linked to mining and people fleeing armed conflict add another complication, as people can move before surveillance teams are able to follow up with them. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Two Elmwood jail inmates were convicted at trial of murdering another inmate in a vicious gang beating that was executed over the course of 11 agonizing minutes, and went undetected even as it was recorded on surveillance cameras. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Tellis said these private companies would likely be better at surveillance than actually disrupting criminal enterprises. — Henry Larson, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026

Their primary objection centers on Palantir's controversial $30 million contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose surveillance and immigration operations are a core reporting beat for USA Today newsrooms. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026