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

Afterwards, he was placed in ICE detention but released months later under an order of supervision. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Dec. 2025

The law allows patients with terminal illnesses to end their lives with lethal medication — without supervision of their medical team. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

In 2023, more than 1 million women were under the supervision of the criminal legal system. —Anna Schecter, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Prosecutors need to present the complete record and argue risk, judges must evaluate it, probation departments must accurately report supervision status, and law enforcement must ensure warrants and holds are properly entered and actionable. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025

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)