supervise

verb

su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz 

supervised; supervising

transitive verb

: to be in charge of : superintend, oversee

supervise a large staff

supervised the ship's daily operations

Synonyms of supervise

• oversee
• handle
• manage

Examples of supervise in a Sentence

The builder supervised the construction of the house.

She supervises a staff of 30 workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

But people should be cautious and children should always be supervised when in the woods. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Fire engines are typically staffed by three personnel, who commonly work 24-hour shifts, and are supervised by a fire captain, according to Cal Fire cooperative contracts. —Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

There is no minimum height to ride, though riders under 46 inches must ride with a supervising companion, according to the park. —Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 May 2026

The claim also alleges that Cal Fire negligently hired, supervised and retained Renteria. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre, from Latin super- + vidēre to see — more at wit

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for supervise

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

supervise

verb

su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz 

supervised; supervising

: superintend, oversee

Etymology

from Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre "to oversee," from super- "over, above" and vidēre "to see" — related to vision