Synonyms of govern

govern

verb

ˈgə-vərn 

1

as in to rule

to exercise authority or power over

the president is elected in order to govern the country, not to follow public opinion polls

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rule
• control
• dictate
• dominate
• manage
• command
• administer
• sway
• oversee
• regulate
• preside (over)
• domineer
• boss
• lead
• conduct
• captain
• supervise
• superintend
• direct
• oppress
• micromanage
• master
• lord (it over)
• conquer
• reign (over)
• subdue
• head
• subjugate
• tyrannize

2

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

you need to govern your speech and be able to communicate your outrage without resorting to profanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regulate
• control
• contain
• keep
• restrain
• curb
• measure
• constrain
• rule
• stifle
• suppress
• tame
• inhibit
• hold
• check
• stop
• pull in
• rein (in)
• bridle
• interrupt
• swallow
• hinder
• impede
• repress
• choke (back)
• hold back
• strangle
• obstruct
• smother
• hamper
• arrest
• block
• silence
• squelch
• sink
• mince
• muffle
• bottle (up)
• pocket
• handcuff
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• express
• loose
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

3

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about

the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manage
• operate
• regulate
• oversee
• supervise
• control
• conduct
• handle
• run
• administer
• keep
• tend
• protect
• guide
• direct
• administrate
• carry on
• preside (over)
• superintend
• overlook
• steward
• watch over
• steer
• lead
• watch
• safeguard
• care (for)
• pilot
• mind
• guard
• micromanage
• stage-manage
• codirect
• comanage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of govern

The test will be whether the Student List can transition their popular mobilization in the streets into a viable political option that can win an election and govern a country that hasn’t undergone a political transition in over a decade. — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

According to its governing body, the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), which was founded in 2000, Nordic walking is now practised in over 40 countries for health, fitness, recreation, social connection, and competitive sport. — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Some members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition opposed the law, however, and right-wing opposition parties filed petitions to challenge it in court. — Hannah Ridge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026

Researchers from competing companies shared their findings in common channels, with no contracts governing the arrangement. — Harry Booth, Time, 23 Oct. 2026