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

Kobzev said everyone who came into contact with the woman is under medical supervision. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

An investigation by The New York Times revealed that China and Iran have used Chinese open-source models to run propaganda campaigns through AI agents with limited human supervision. — RenÉe Diresta, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Ironically, visitation exposes the work to a whole other set of risks, since, without supervision, the sections could be subjected—and, indeed, have been—to damage. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

His research interests include event system theory and workplace behaviors, especially proactive behaviors (such as creativity and citizenship), and counterproductive ones (such as turnover and abusive supervision). — Cynthia Lee, Harvard Business Review, 1 Oct. 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)