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

That configuration reflects the J-20’s emphasis on engaging enemy aircraft at long distances, particularly high-value targets such as tankers, surveillance aircraft, and airborne early-warning platforms. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Although License told police that the victim hit his wife, investigators said the surveillance footage did not show any physical contact between the two, and the victim was walking back to his truck when the shots rang out. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

Second, data-sharing between local police departments – or with the Department of Homeland Security – can lead to the creation of a nationwide surveillance system that tracks vehicles around the country. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

Connecticut is putting better lighting, new surveillance cameras and more private security along CTfastrak, where complaints of drug use, crime and loitering have been going up along with bus ridership. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026