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
  • However, any consideration of a project of this magnitude must be approached with careful analysis and responsible stewardship of public resources.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Katherine Melchior Ray, author of Brand Global, Adapt Local, on why control is the wrong mental model and stewardship the right one.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of stewardship
Noun
  • Over the next two decades, records are few, most of them noting criminal convictions for fighting in bars, stealing a watch, deserting a whaling ship, and beating his wife.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • For a neighborhood-style atmosphere semifinal watch party, The Brightside is a small bar that really packs a punch.
    — Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • Iran insists on retaining control over shipping through the waterway and says vessels should instead use routes through its own territorial waters.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The little bottle contained enough poison to kill 10,000 people, says Neil Basu, Britain’s former head of counterterrorism policing, in the film.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The framework deal kickstarted a 60-day negotiating period to reach a permanent agreement and resolve several unanswered questions, largely about the future of Iran's nuclear program and the policing of passage through the strait.
    — Elise Spenner, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of policing

Browse Nearby Words

surveil
surveillance
surveillances
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Cite this Entry

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surveillance. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of surveillance for Spanish Speakers

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