GOVERN Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

govern

verb

ˈgə-vərn

Definition of govern

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

Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of govern Organization and governance As with most other Anglican churches, the ACK is governed through a hierarchical system of provinces, dioceses, and parishes. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Why Investors Read The Fee Schedule First Mark Gannott, CFO at Suncoast Ventures and a partner at Thalassea Partners, argues that codes govern capital before science does. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Biggs said the county needs to develop a policy to govern the garage’s use for special events. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The appeal of a post-scarcity society will depend on the status hierarchy it’s governed by. — Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for govern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern

Verb

The archeological ruins of the Villa of Tiberius, the Roman emperor who ruled from 17 to 42 CE, were long rumored to lie somewhere between Rome and Naples.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
On Tuesday, the ruling Liberal Democratic party advanced the bill through key committees, with Nikkei reporting Takaichi wants cabinet approval by this month, and for the bill to be tabled in parliament in the autumn.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of rule

Verb

Lawmakers have also drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the waterway, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Maine has passed a new AI law regulating artificial intelligence as a mental health advisor, similar to other state legislations.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulate

Verb

Carrick named an unchanged line-up in four of his 17 Premier League games last season — a feat Amorim managed just once.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Orlando’s best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute when Simone Jackson hit the crossbar, but the Pride managed little else going forward and went into the break trailing.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

According to Indian investigators, certain PNB officials issued financial instruments known as Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to companies controlled by Modi, Choksi and their associates.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
The group doesn’t control the part of Yemen’s coastline along Bab el-Mandeb but holds territory less than 60 miles away.

— Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of control

Verb

Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
While conducting a raid on his home Monday, federal agents seized 14 devices, including a hard drive and USB drive containing child pornography.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

Firestar operated a large factory inside Surat’s Special Economic Zone, a duty-free enclave that allowed the company to cut, polish and manufacture jewelry for export markets.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Oznur Bell One of the journey’s guides, who was operating the vessel, spotted the hippo and slowed the boat in an attempt not to disturb it, Oznur said.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of operate

Verb

This keeps the area sanitized and removes any mold or allergens that can become a problem if they’re left untouched.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

The smarter clients will hire somebody to oversee the structure but this is the exception and not the norm.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Hasina’s archrival, came to power with a landslide victory in February under a vote overseen by Yunus’ interim administration.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of oversee

Browse Nearby Words

gourmets

govern

governable

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of govern

verb

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