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.
Odetta led current drama series, overseeing shows from season two onward. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 July 2026 Target-date funds are typically allocated by the mutual fund sponsor when the plan is overseen. — Christopher Poch, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Brian Marshall, vice president of sports products and strategy, will oversee Lasker’s team on an interim basis. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 July 2026 The airport project, known as Elevate BUR, has been overseen by the project management company Jacobs. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Oversee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversee. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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