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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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Recent Examples of govern
For gasoline is not only a commodity governed by normal supply and demand—it can also be caught up in momentous world events.
—
Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026
Paz came to power in November, ending almost 20 years of uninterrupted rule by Bolivia’s Movement Toward Socialism party, or MAS, which governed during the worst economic crisis in a generation.
—Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Sometimes good software is cheaper, easier to govern and easier to explain.
—Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Bass said the shooting demonstrates a need to review department policies governing encounters with dogs.
—City News Service, Daily News, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026
Paz came to power in November, ending almost 20 years of uninterrupted rule by Bolivia’s Movement Toward Socialism party, or MAS, which governed during the worst economic crisis in a generation.
—Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Sometimes good software is cheaper, easier to govern and easier to explain.
—Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Bass said the shooting demonstrates a need to review department policies governing encounters with dogs.
—City News Service, Daily News, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
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Initially, the referees ruled Freeman had been offside.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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The development came after the judge ruled in May that evidence found during an initial search of Mangione's backpack must be suppressed, including a magazine, cell phone, passport and wallet.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
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State lawmakers have stepped back from earlier, wider-ranging attempts to regulate AI that were vetoed or otherwise derailed by governors who viewed the measures as too onerous toward the industry’s development, including efforts to hold developers accountable for bias in AI systems.—
Marc Levy,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
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The candidates in the crowded field have traded barbs about Bores’ supposed ties to Big Tech and outside groups have poured millions into the race both supporting and opposing his proposals to regulate artificial intelligence.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Interim manager Chad Tracy has now managed against every AL East team.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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Hydrotherapy is the main draw and is especially helpful for active travelers or anyone managing chronic pain.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
Verb
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With multiple scoring chances and the majority of possession, Morocco has controlled much of these first 20 minutes in Boston.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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While the ride vehicles are connected to a track, riders can control the speed, which tops out at about 6 mph.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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The Chiefs Hall of Honor on the second-level concourse contains the organization’s four Super Bowl trophies, memorabilia, exhibits and documents, and there is no admission to walk through history.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
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The farm system does not contain an endless supply of prospects.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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The Aman Beverly Hills, currently under construction and expected to open in 2028, will supposedly not only include a full luxe floor for plastic surgery recovery but actual operating rooms, a private garden just for patients and surgeons on call.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
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Every day horse carriages are operating in the park is a day the safety of New Yorkers is in jeopardy.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Following their arrival, word spread among law enforcement at Kansas City Stadium (aka Arrowhead) that the King and Queen were en route — and the path to the VVIP (yes, very very) entrance was cleared by FBI officials, who kept fans away from the area.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
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Not surprisingly, the number keeps rising.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Verb
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Gwisdalla said that federal authorities will oversee the investigation, and the suspects will likely face federal charges.—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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Trump has already slashed the FEMA workforce by 20% during his second term and kept top positions at the agency — including the administrator overseeing the region Illinois is part of — vacant.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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