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

Democrats also believe public pushback against surveillance could lead to bipartisan solutions with Republicans. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Jenkins also believes high-tech surveillance helps deter crime, although that's harder to prove. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

During this period, the Zinns were under FBI surveillance for their involvement with leftist groups that had ties to the Communist Party. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Police also were able to gather information from surveillance footage at the residence. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026