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

The group says Ensign misled courts, disobeyed court orders and failed to intervene when lawyers under his supervision engaged in misconduct. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026

His fingerprints are all over the modern sport — from the development and implementation of the Next Gen car, to the supervision of going to new tracks (and revitalizing old ones) and more. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026

Proctor’s attorney, Thomas DiGangi, said that Proctor’s phone data lacked relevance to Read’s claims of negligent hiring and supervision at the MSP since what is on Proctor’s personal phone has no bearing on that. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

This is the second time sections of the consent decree have been terminated from the court's oversight and supervision. —Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 23 Apr. 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)