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

Whoever Johnson hires as the Jets general manager will help oversee their coaching search after the team fired Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 after a 2-3 start. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024

Unions typically win representation of workers by filing to hold elections overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

As in the case of Ancelotti's squad, the C team has been severely affected by injuries as has the main reserve outfit the Castilla that is currently overseen by club legend Raul Gonzalez. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

In one of the three structures, a new wine cellar harbors more than 300 bottles primarily overseen by wine director Caroline Costarella (formerly of San Francisco’s Lazy Bear) and general manager Daniel Gorlas, a Per Se alum. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 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