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

Editors’ Picks Image Image Image Image The starting point of the museum is a gallery dedicated to the Manhattan Project and the Trinity test overseen by Oppenheimer in July 1945, the world’s first nuclear detonation, set off in a remote area of New Mexico. —Michael Janofsky, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2024

Those with decades of experience under their belts are often best positioned to help manage and oversee the important human element to ensuring harmonious and productive teams. —Martha Boudreau, Fortune, 26 Apr. 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