surveil

verb

sur·​veil sər-ˈvāl How to pronounce surveil (audio)
surveilled; surveilling
Synonyms of surveilnext

transitive verb

: to subject to surveillance

Examples of surveil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Anyone with spare time could surveil a harbor or the airspace above a military base and sell updates on flights, ships, and the movements of troops. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 The two companies provide staff for detention centers, beds to house them, and ankle monitors to surveil those out on bond awaiting their hearings. — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 There have been reports of police misuse of the technology, including those accused of searching the database to surveil their intimate partners or exes. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 Hamilton County Public Health will continue to surveil the area and treat standing bodies of water with larvicide to prevent mosquito breeding. — Esther Launstein, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surveil

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from surveillance

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surveil was in 1884

Rhymes for surveil

See All Rhymes for surveil

Browse Nearby Words

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surveil
surveillance
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Cite this Entry

“Surveil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveil. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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