oversight

noun

over·​sight ˈō-vər-ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
Synonyms of oversight
1
a
: watchful and responsible care
… you to whom oversight of the University is entrusted …N. M. Pusey
b
: regulatory supervision
congressional oversight
The new manager was given oversight of the project.
2
: an inadvertent omission or error
… whether by oversight or intention …George Bernard Shaw
The error was a simple oversight.

Examples of oversight in a Sentence

The fact that you didn't get an invitation is surely just an oversight. The error was a simple oversight. The new manager was given oversight of the project.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lander has been arrested for protesting immigrant detention conditions inside a Manhattan building housing federal immigration court, while Goldman has used congressional oversight to scrutinize federal agents arresting people attending routine immigration court hearings and check-ins. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026 The Supreme Court justices agreed, in an unsigned opinion, that federal courts should not second-guess state courts under a 1996 federal law that was intended to reduce federal court oversight of state criminal trials. CBS News, 22 June 2026 The development came as the district is working to close an unprecedented $170 million deficit and avoid state receivership, which would place the district under strict oversight while any emergency loan and interest are repaid. Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026 Because America’s youth soccer system is legalized crime that is in desperate need of real oversight, because its mission and moral compass are shattered. Mac Engel june 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oversight

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversight was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

oversight

noun
over·​sight -ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
1
: the act or duty of overseeing : supervision
have the oversight of a job
2
: an error or a leaving something out through carelessness or haste

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