Monitor means to watch, check, or keep track of something over time. It can also refer to a screen or a person who supervises. The best synonyms are observe, watch, track, check, and supervise. Each synonym has a slightly different meaning, tone, or context.
Top 10 Synonyms of Monitor
- Observe
- Watch
- Track
- Check
- Supervise
- Survey
- Oversee
- Scan
- Follow
- Keep an eye on
Monitor is one of those English words that can be a noun and a verb. Whether you are watching a situation, checking a screen, or supervising a team, monitor has you covered. However, using the same word repeatedly can make your English sound repetitive.
This is where synonyms come in handy. This guide will teach you the best synonyms for monitor and explain exactly when to use each one. By the end, you will be able to choose the perfect word for any situation, whether formal or informal.
What Does “Monitor” Mean?
Definition
As a verb, to monitor means to observe, check, or keep track of something over a period of time. It involves paying close attention to detect changes or ensure everything is working correctly.
As a noun, a monitor can refer to a computer screen, a device that measures or records something, or a person who supervises others.
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˈmɑː.nɪ.t̬ɚ/
- UK IPA: /ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər/
- Syllables: 3
- Tip: Stress the first syllable: MON-i-ter.
Grammar
| Grammar Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Verb (monitor, monitors, monitoring, monitored) & Noun (monitor, monitors) |
| Common Position | Verb: Between the subject and object. Noun: As the subject or object. |
| Typical Pattern | Verb: [Subject] monitor [Object]. Noun: The monitor shows [information]. |
Example Sentences:
- The teacher monitors the students during the exam.
- The screen acts as a monitor for the security cameras.
Word Family
40 Synonyms of “Monitor”
Observe
Meaning: To watch carefully, especially to learn something or see changes.
Best Used For: Academic writing, scientific research, and professional observations.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Neutral, Academic
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: Scientists observe the behavior of birds to study migration patterns.
Example Sentence 2: She sat quietly to observe the meeting before joining.
Usage Tip: Use observe when you need to watch something carefully and thoughtfully. It sounds more scientific than watch.
Watch
Meaning: To look at or pay attention to someone or something for a period of time.
Best Used For: Daily conversation and informal situations.
Formality: Neutral/Informal
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Common
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: I like to watch the sunset every evening.
Example Sentence 2: Please watch my bag while I get a drink.
Usage Tip: Watch is the most common and natural choice for everyday English. It is often used for visual attention.
Track
Meaning: To follow the progress, movement, or path of something.
Best Used For: Business, technology, and logistics.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common
CEFR Level: B1
Example Sentence 1: You can track your package online with the tracking number.
Example Sentence 2: The company tracks employee productivity using special software.
Usage Tip: Use track when there is a clear path, movement, or series of data points to follow.
Check
Meaning: To examine something to make sure it is correct, safe, or working.
Best Used For: Daily situations, work, and instructions.
Formality: Neutral/Informal
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Common
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: I need to check the document for errors before sending it.
Example Sentence 2: Please check the oil level in the car engine.
Usage Tip: Check is a quick and easy way to say “look at to confirm.” It is often used for a brief or specific examination.
Supervise
Meaning: To oversee and direct an activity or group of people.
Best Used For: Workplaces, education, and management.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Professional
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: The manager will supervise the new employee during training.
Example Sentence 2: A lifeguard supervises the swimming pool.
Usage Tip: Use supervise when someone has authority and responsibility over people or a task.
Survey
Meaning: To look at or examine the whole of something.
Best Used For: Formal writing, real estate, and large-scale observations.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: The scientist surveyed the damage caused by the hurricane.
Example Sentence 2: She surveyed the room to see who was there.
Usage Tip: Survey often implies looking at a broad or panoramic view, not just a small detail.
Oversee
Meaning: To supervise and be responsible for a project or operation.
Best Used For: Professional environments, project management.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Professional
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: A project manager will oversee the entire construction project.
Example Sentence 2: The government agency oversees the safety regulations.
Usage Tip: Oversee is similar to supervise, but often suggests a higher level of responsibility for the whole project.
Scan
Meaning: To look over something quickly but not thoroughly.
Best Used For: Reading, searching, and technology.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common
CEFR Level: B1
Example Sentence 1: I will scan the article to find the main ideas.
Example Sentence 2: The doctor will scan the patient’s body for injuries.
Usage Tip: Use scan when you are looking for specific information or reviewing something quickly.
Follow
Meaning: To understand, watch, or keep up with something.
Best Used For: Instructions, news, and conversations.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Common
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: Do you follow the latest news in technology?
Example Sentence 2: Please follow the instructions carefully.
Usage Tip: Follow is less about “watching” and more about “keeping up with” events or understanding instructions.
Keep an eye on
Meaning: To watch something carefully to make sure it is safe or doesn’t get into trouble.
Best Used For: Daily conversation, informal situations.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Friendly, Caring
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Example Sentence 1: Can you keep an eye on my suitcase while I buy a ticket?
Example Sentence 2: The babysitter needs to keep an eye on the children in the garden.
Usage Tip: This is a very natural, idiomatic expression in English. Use it for friendly requests to “watch out” for something.
Look after
Meaning: To take care of or be responsible for someone or something.
Best Used For: Daily conversation, informal situations.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Friendly, Caring
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Common
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: Can you look after my plants while I am on holiday?
Example Sentence 2: Older children often look after their younger siblings.
Usage Tip: Look after is similar to “take care of.” It is less about observing and more about being responsible for someone’s well-being.
Keep tabs on
Meaning: To monitor someone or something carefully, often in a slightly secretive way.
Best Used For: Informal situations where someone is being watched closely.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Neutral/Slightly Suspicious
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: The police have been keeping tabs on the suspect’s movements.
Example Sentence 2: I like to keep tabs on my spending to avoid going over budget.
Usage Tip: Keep tabs on implies checking regularly and often discretely. It is a very idiomatic phrase.
Proctor
Meaning: A person who monitors students during an examination.
Best Used For: Academic settings, particularly in the US.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
CEFR Level: C1
Example Sentence 1: The proctor walked around the hall to ensure no one was cheating.
Example Sentence 2: Please ask the proctor if you have a question about the exam rules.
Usage Tip: Proctor has a very specific meaning. It is used for exams and is more common in American English.
Invigilator
Meaning: The person who supervises students in a formal exam.
Best Used For: Academic settings, particularly in the UK.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Neutral
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
CEFR Level: C1
Example Sentence 1: The invigilator told us to put our phones away.
Example Sentence 2: If you need extra paper, ask the invigilator.
Usage Tip: Invigilator is the British English equivalent of proctor. Use it for formal exam settings in the UK.
Synonyms Comparison Table
| Synonym | Best Context | Formality | Tone | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Observe | Science, Research | Formal | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Watch | Daily Conversation | Neutral | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Track | Business, Tech | Neutral | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Check | Daily Life, Work | Neutral | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Supervise | Work, Education | Formal | Professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Survey | Overviews, Real Estate | Formal | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Oversee | Project Management | Formal | Professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scan | Reading, Quick Look | Neutral | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Follow | Instructions, News | Neutral | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Keep an eye on | Personal Requests | Informal | Caring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Proctor | US Exam Supervision | Formal | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Invigilator | UK Exam Supervision | Formal | Neutral | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Synonyms by Situation
| Situation | Best Synonym | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Conversation | Watch | It is the most natural and common word for everyday use. |
| Business Email | Track / Oversee | Sounds professional and to the point. |
| Academic Writing | Observe | Scientific and formal, perfect for research. |
| School Assignment | Supervise | Fits the context of teachers and responsibilities. |
| Professional Meeting | Survey / Oversee | Implies a broad, knowledgeable view of the situation. |
| Presentation | Follow / Observe | Keeps the language clear and engaging for an audience. |
| Creative Writing | Watch / Scan | Gives a visual and descriptive quality to the text. |
| Social Media | Keep up with / Track | Relates well to following news or trends. |
| Movie Review | Observe / Follow | Helps describe character development or plot. |
Formal vs Informal Synonyms
Formal Alternatives
Neutral Alternatives
| Synonym | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Watch | General descriptions, most situations. |
| Track | Following movements, processes, or data. |
| Check | Verifying facts, quick examinations. |
| Scan | Fast, efficient reviews. |
| Follow | Keeping up with events or instructions. |
Informal Alternatives
| Synonym | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Keep an eye on | Friendly requests, telling someone to watch something for you. |
| Keep tabs on | Monitoring something discreetly or out of suspicion. |
| Look after | Taking care of someone or something. |
When choosing between formal, neutral, and informal synonyms, consider who you are speaking to and the setting. In a business email to a boss, oversee is a good choice. In a text to a friend, saying keep an eye on is much more natural.
Strong vs Mild Synonyms
Mild
- Check: A quick and simple action.
- Scan: A quick, superficial look.
- Follow: Keeping up with something.
- Look after: Taking care of something.
Moderate
- Watch: Paying attention over a period.
- Track: Following movement or progress.
- Observe: Watching carefully and thoughtfully.
Strong
- Supervise: A lot of responsibility.
- Oversee: Total responsibility for an outcome.
- Monitor: Often implies professional, continuous, and systematic observation.
Real-Life Examples
School:
- “The teacher monitors the students’ progress with weekly tests.”
Office:
- “IT staff monitor the network for any suspicious activity.”
Daily Conversation:
- “Can you watch my dog for a few hours?”
Business Email:
- “I will oversee the new marketing campaign and keep you updated.”
Professional Meeting:
- “We need to survey the current market conditions before we proceed.”
Common Collocations
| Common Phrase | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Monitor the situation | Observe the situation / Track the situation |
| Monitor progress | Track progress / Check on progress |
| Monitor the results | Check the results / Analyze the results |
| Monitor the students | Supervise the students / Watch the students |
| Monitor the screen | Watch the screen / Check the screen |
Common Phrases
- “Monitor the situation”: Means to continue watching the situation to see how it develops. A stronger or more natural alternative might be “closely watch the situation.”
- “Keep a close watch on”: Means to monitor very carefully. This is a stronger way to say “monitor.”
- “Under supervision”: Means being monitored or overseen by someone in charge.
Context Guide
Related Words
Near Synonyms
- Audit: To officially examine something.
- Inspect: To look at something closely to check for issues.
- Scrutinize: To examine or inspect in great detail. This is stronger than monitor.
Antonyms
- Ignore: To pay no attention to something.
- Neglect: To fail to take care of something.
- Overlook: To fail to notice or consider something.
Related Nouns
- Observation: The act of watching.
- Surveillance: Close observation, often by authorities.
- Supervision: The act of overseeing.
- Observation: The act of watching.
- Screen: A display device like a monitor.
Related Verbs
- Record: To keep a written account or data.
- Track: To follow the path of something.
- Check: To examine something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for monitor?
The best synonyms for monitor include observe, watch, track, check, and supervise. The right choice depends on your context—whether you are watching a screen, a person, or a process.
Which synonym for monitor sounds the most professional?
Oversee and supervise sound the most professional. They are often used in job descriptions and business communications to describe someone with responsibility. Observe is also very professional for scientific contexts.
What is the strongest synonym for monitor?
Supervise and oversee have a strong sense of authority and control. In terms of intense watching, scrutinize is a very strong alternative. However, scrutinize implies a much more detailed and critical inspection than “monitor.”
Which synonym is best for essays?
Observe is often the best choice for academic essays. It fits well in scientific, research-based writing. Survey is also a good academic alternative, especially when looking at a broad topic.
What’s the difference between supervise and oversee?
Supervise often means managing the people doing the work, ensuring they are following instructions. Oversee can mean having a more high-level management of the entire project or organization, not just the people.
Which synonym is most common in everyday English?
Watch and check are the most common and natural synonyms in everyday conversation. “Can you check this for me?” or “I’m watching the game” sound much more natural than “I’m monitoring the game.”
What is the opposite of monitor?
Common opposites of monitor include ignore, neglect, and overlook. If you monitor something, you pay close attention to it. If you ignore it, you pay no attention to it.
Conclusion
Monitor is a useful word, but English has a rich variety of synonyms that can make your writing and speaking more precise. Whether you need a formal word like observe, a professional term like oversee, or a casual phrase like keep an eye on, you now have the right tool for every situation. The best way to improve your vocabulary is to read and listen to native English content, pay attention to which words people use, and practice using them in your own conversation.
