supervision

noun

su·​per·​vi·​sion ˌsü-pər-ˈvi-zhən 

: the action, process, or occupation of supervising

especially : a critical watching and directing (as of activities or a course of action)

Synonyms of supervision

• oversight
• stewardship
• management
• control
• guidance
• superintendence
• leadership

Examples of supervision in a Sentence

Young children need constant supervision.

She's responsible for the supervision of a large staff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Early-career marketers need earlier access to customer conversations, experiment design, evidence review, creative critique and agent supervision. — Hope Frank, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Laws also vary by state on when children can be left without adult supervision. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

His first 12 came under the supervision of a coach who was, to put it as gently as possible, somewhat distracted from his job. — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

This would be a system that could set its own research questions and conduct experiments with less human input or supervision. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for supervision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• indecision
• subdivision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

Kids Definition

supervision

noun

su·​per·​vi·​sion ˌsü-pər-ˈvizh-ən 

: the act of supervising

especially : a critical watching and directing (as of activities)