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 of oversee

• supervise
• manage
• operate
• regulate
• handle
• control
• conduct
• govern

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

Elizabeth Donegan, a victims’ advocate who previously oversaw Austin’s registration unit, said the checks can offer reassurance but may not prevent future crimes. —Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026

Gatewood had been tasked with overseeing the Johnson administration's efforts to address the root causes of crime and violence in Chicago and coming up with a plan for public safety. —Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Cavanaugh, one of the DOGE staffers tasked with overseeing these cuts, said in deposition pertaining to the recent lawsuit the advisory failed to slash the government’s budget gap. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

It will be led by Renita Francois, who previously oversaw former Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to reduce violence in public housing. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026

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