reconnaissance

noun

Definition of reconnaissancenext
as in surveillance
military activity in which soldiers, airplanes, etc., are sent to find out information about an enemy There are two helicopters available for reconnaissance. reconnaissance missions

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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 reconnaissance McKinney reportedly failed to return after departing from Yunnanyi, China, on a reconnaissance mission to photograph targets in Thailand and Burma. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Once relying on its massive missile arsenal, advances in Israeli intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance have neutered its previous strategy of relying on simultaneous barrages of missiles to overwhelm Israeli missile defenses. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 The software targets intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, where operators need to identify vehicles and other objects quickly in crowded or visually challenging environments. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Such reconnaissance could provide vital information before intercepting a threatening asteroid with a kinetic impact, as demonstrated by NASA's DART mission in 2022. — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reconnaissance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reconnaissance
  1. surveillance
  2. observation
Noun
  • Robinson’s parents had confronted him after authorities released a surveillance photo of the suspect and details about the rifle, authorities have said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Better detection and rising clinician awareness probably explain much of the jump, though surveillance data alone cannot rule out changes in incidence or exposure.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of surveillance
Noun
  • That's because Costco warehouses will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observation of the holiday, according to the company's website.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Several stores, pharmacies and local businesses are adjusting their hours on Saturday, July 4, or closing in observation of Independence Day.
    — Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of observation

Browse Nearby Words

reconfirmations
reconnaissance
reconnect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reconnaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reconnaissance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reconnaissance

Nglish: Translation of reconnaissance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reconnaissance

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