oversee

verb

over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē 

oversaw ˌō-vər-ˈsȯ  ; overseen ˌō-vər-ˈsēn  ; overseeing

transitive verb

1

: survey, watch

From his hilltop home he can oversee the river below.

2

a

: inspect, examine

oversees all new machinery

b

: to watch over and direct (an undertaking, a group of workers, etc.) in order to ensure a satisfactory outcome or performance : supervise

was hired to oversee the design and construction of the new library

oversaw 20 employees

Synonyms

• administer
• administrate
• carry on
• conduct
• control
• direct
• govern
• guide
• handle
• keep
• manage
• operate
• overlook
• preside (over)
• regulate
• run
• steward
• superintend
• supervise
• tend

Examples of oversee in a Sentence

He was hired to oversee design and construction of the new facility.

will oversee the new manufacturing division

Recent Examples on the Web

Abe Kwok Abe Kwok is The Arizona Republic's editorial page planner and oversees staff and guest columns. —The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024

Lee, who is Asian American, also accused Price of overseeing a toxic, racist workplace that often targeted people of East Asian descent, the lawsuit claimed. —Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 12 June 2024

Johari Martin, licensed pharmacist, and CVS Health regional director, oversees various areas including parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024

Republican leaders of a prominent committee overseeing federal health agencies are pushing to crack down on certain viral pathogen research with a new oversight panel. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 11 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oversee

verb

over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē 

oversaw -ˈsȯ  ; overseen -ˈsēn  ; overseeing

1

: to look down upon : survey

2

a

: to look over : examine

b

: superintend, supervise