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

• care
• charge
• guidance
• headship
• oversight
• regulation
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• surveillance

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

Children in the test group, though, were started with a ⅛ daily teaspoon of peanut butter, given under medical supervision. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025

Kids age 8 or younger require parental supervision. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Prisoners sit in rows in the corridor outside their cells for the talks or are led through exercise regimens under the supervision of guards. —Marcos Aleman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025

The law allows patients with terminal illnesses to end their lives with lethal medication — without supervision of their medical team. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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)