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 party, founded by a royal adviser close to King Mohammed VI and known by its French acronym PAM, fell short of an absolute majority and will need to negotiate with other parties to form a governing coalition. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Complex issues need clearer explanations Our research found less public support for policy provisions governing more complex issues related to data centers. — Fengxiu Zhang, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

The bill would have established a federal framework for governing athlete compensation, health and safety, transparency, transfer rights and, alas, a Commission on College Athletics. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2026

There are a lot of people here and there are a lot of rules to help govern everything, and there are a lot of stakeholders in place too. — Kyle Cheromcha, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026