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

Joan Jett and her company Blackheart have entered into a partnership with hit songwriter Evan Bogart’s Seeker Music to oversee the legendary rock artist’s catalog together, The Hollywood Reporter can report exclusively. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025

In addition, Tobey oversees Lionsgate’s AI initiatives designed to increase production, marketing and distribution efficiency and provide new tools for filmmakers, including its partnership with Runway. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

The shift comes after reports that the cuts were ordered by Jeremy Lewin, a close ally of Elon Musk, who now oversees USAID under Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

In August 2024, Biden oversaw the multilateral exchange of 24 prisoners with Russia — the largest such swap since the Cold War. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for oversee

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

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