oversight

noun

over·sight ˈō-vər-ˌsīt

Synonyms of oversight

: watchful and responsible care

… you to whom oversight of the University is entrusted …—N. M. Pusey

: regulatory supervision

congressional oversight

The new manager was given oversight of the project.

: an inadvertent omission or error

… whether by oversight or intention …—George Bernard Shaw

The error was a simple oversight.

Examples of oversight in a Sentence

The fact that you didn't get an invitation is surely just an oversight. The error was a simple oversight. The new manager was given oversight of the project.

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.

Boards of Education have significant responsibilities involving policy, educational priorities, budgets, and fiscal oversight. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Boards of Education have significant responsibilities involving policy, educational priorities, budgets and fiscal oversight. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Boliek believes this makes North Carolina the first state auditor’s office to conduct this type of regular oversight of a project. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 The measures include encouraging adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, specialized training for educators, strengthened reporting procedures and independent oversight. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oversight

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of oversight was in the 15th century

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Browse Nearby Words

overside

oversight

oversigned

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If you're overlooking, are you watching or missing something?

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oversight

noun

over·sight -ˌsīt

: the act or duty of overseeing : supervision

have the oversight of a job

: an error or a leaving something out through carelessness or haste

oversight

noun

Synonyms of oversight

Examples of oversight in a Sentence

Word History