surveillance

noun

sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
Definition of surveillancenext
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

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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

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 surveillance Containerized systems can blend into commercial transport networks, complicating enemy surveillance and targeting efforts. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 Our intelligence services and military have made technical advances in data collection and analysis, in satellite surveillance, and in hostage rescue. — Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 The Southern Border Communities Coalition says surveillance technologies can push migrants into more dangerous routes to avoid being detected. — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The withdrawal led to 3,000 job cuts at the WHO and a retreat from some of the agency’s activities, including disease surveillance and response. — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surveillance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surveillance
  1. stewardship
  2. watch
  3. supervision
  4. lookout
  5. oversight
  6. management
  7. control
  8. policing
Noun
  • The American experiment, though imperfect, requires each generation's stewardship through hard work, community building, and creating opportunities, ensuring the dream is renewed, not just consumed.
    — Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Based on the chaos that has ensued at CBS News under her watch, many CNN insiders are concerned over her possible stewardship of an even larger and more complex organization.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of stewardship
Noun
  • Epstein said the stunt doubles as a virtual watch party for fans who couldn't make it to New York.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The consumer version compresses that same idea into a ring, watch or app.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Its El Segundo location has the El Segundo Clubhouse, which the club’s website describes as a 14,000-square-foot childcare center, where kids participate in activities under supervision.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of supervision
Noun
  • While sales across the company have been flat in recent years, Weidner has been on the lookout to acquire struggling breweries that would dovetail with his expanding operation.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • First-timers should head straight to Mather Point for the initial lookout, then walk a portion of the Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Definition of lookout
Noun
  • To summarize, physical AI governance is an extension of operational and safety governance, and the boards best positioned are ones that import high-reliability-organization oversight practices rather than scaling up their AI ethics frameworks.
    — Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Kill switches are not magic off buttons and do not replace careful regulation, physical containment or public oversight.
    — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of oversight
Noun
  • Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sent regulatory priorities to the nation’s regional fishery councils, which environmentalists say reveal a direct attack on fishery management and ocean conservation.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • This necessitates a fundamental shift in corporate risk management.
    — Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of management
Noun
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • With Australia closing in on a winner in regulation with its young attack, Egypt settled in over the final 20 minutes or so to regain control of possession and find the more consistent threats on goal.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • That image has faded, however, aided by stricter policing, banning orders and the general gentrification of an increasingly expensive game.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The story examined San Jose’s reported 100% homicide clearance rate and explained what that figure does and does not show about public safety, policing and criminal prosecutions.
    — Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Definition of policing

Browse Nearby Words

surveil
surveillance
surveillances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surveillance. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of surveillance for Spanish Speakers

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