IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
surveillance
noun/səˈveɪləns/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“surveillance” is a Band 8 noun that means close observation of a person or place, especially by cameras or digital tracking. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Close observation of a person or place, especially by cameras or digital tracking.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Cities are increasingly covered by video surveillance.”
- “Critics warn of a growing surveillance culture.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
monitoringobservationtracking
Antonyms
privacy
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
under surveillancemass surveillancesurveillance camera
Common phrases
keep under surveillance
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “surveillance” mean?
Close observation of a person or place, especially by cameras or digital tracking.
How do you use “surveillance” in a sentence?
For example: “Cities are increasingly covered by video surveillance.”
What are some synonyms for “surveillance”?
Synonyms include monitoring, observation, tracking.
Is “surveillance” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as under surveillance, mass surveillance, surveillance camera help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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