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

• 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

Serafina handles supervision and discipline in the brothel, while Arcángela manages finances and connections with local officials. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, is suing Uber for negligence and negligent training and supervision of its drivers. —Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The city replaced it with a system that overwhelmingly pairs pretrial release with levels of supervision tied to the risk that a court determines a defendant might pose. —Christine Scott-Hayward, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025

Founders who focus on vision alignment, team autonomy and financial discipline can build companies that thrive without their constant supervision. —Guy Peixoto, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 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)