oversee

verb

over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw ˌō-vər-ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen ˌō-vər-ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing
Synonyms of oversee

transitive verb

1
: survey, watch
From his hilltop home he can oversee the river below.
2
a
: inspect, examine
oversees all new machinery
b
: to watch over and direct (an undertaking, a group of workers, etc.) in order to ensure a satisfactory outcome or performance : supervise
was hired to oversee the design and construction of the new library
oversaw 20 employees

Synonyms of oversee

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Examples of oversee in a Sentence

He was hired to oversee design and construction of the new facility. will oversee the new manufacturing division
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.
Reiner said in a court petition that the trustees who oversee the funds have denied them to him without legal justification. — Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Carolyn Harris, Kenny Madrid and Niko Fernandez oversee the project for Paramount Television Studios. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 Clayton will assume responsibility for communications and Neuman will oversee Government Affairs, Sustainability evolution. — Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The Eagles are one of four premier senior national teams overseen by USA Rugby. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oversee

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversee was before the 12th century

Rhymes for oversee

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Browse Nearby Words

oversecretion
oversee
overseed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oversee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversee. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oversee

verb
over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw -ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen -ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing
1
: to look down upon : survey
2
a
: to look over : examine
b
: superintend, supervise

More from Merriam-Webster on oversee

Nglish: Translation of oversee for Spanish Speakers

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