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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 In theoretical physics, satellites of this kind are called test particles, meaning an object whose motion is governed almost entirely by the gravitational field. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 Soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to an email requesting detail of the dimensions. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 It's not governed by the executive branch but rather a 17-member Board of Regents that includes Vice President JD Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, six members of Congress and nine members of the public. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 July 2026 This is because the rules that govern traditional individual retirement accounts will apply. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for govern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern

Verb

The California Supreme Court is poised to rule in a lawsuit that has pitted the state’s court reporters — the workers who create transcripts of court proceedings — against victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable litigants.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
News cameras will be allowed to record and broadcast much of the hearing, the judge ruled last week over the objections of Robinson’s attorneys.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of rule

Verb

In 1972, ordinary Californians circulated petitions, knocked on doors, and rode bicycles down the coast, rallying support for Proposition 20, which aimed to regulate coastal development.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates those markets, where people can trade contracts based on whether a future event will happen.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026

Definition of regulate

Verb

Tracy, who managed several of the current Red Sox players in Triple A earlier this season, isn’t surprised by their success.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
According to a source, Oman has drafted a proposal to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key sticking point in the conflict.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026

Definition of manage

Verb

Ndoye didn't shoot on his first touch of the ball, though, and that slight hesitation to control the ball and gather for a shot left just enough time for Argentina to swoop in to block the shot.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
Whereas North County cities account for about 20% of the county’s population, their mayors control 40% of the seats on SANDAG’s 20-member board.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026

Definition of control

Verb

But if Texas doesn’t allow sports betting, how can these markets operate in the state?

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Marine engines operate under sustained high RPM and are exposed to moisture, which requires additional protection against wear and corrosion.

— John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of operate

Verb

This version from Quince has a separate compartment for a laptop, as well as two separate sections to keep the remaining belongings organized.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Beyond their cool-girl air, the shoes offer plenty of support and cushioning thanks to their plush insoles that keep your arches comfortable for hours of strutting.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

In these roles, Clancey oversaw a collection of more than 85,000 artifacts and led the conception and production of exhibitions spanning ancient history, the Civil Rights movement and contemporary art.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Based in New York, Delahunt will oversee On’s direct-to-consumer channels, spanning both digital and retail, as well as the brand’s focus on customer loyalty.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

Definition of oversee

Browse Nearby Words

gourmets

govern

governable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of govern

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on govern

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fulcrum

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes