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
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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
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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
The pro-growth minority must continue to stand up Fifth, the state should speed the thinning of forests in the wildland-urban interface by streamlining the regulations governing timber harvesting.
—
Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
Historian Alicia Gutierrez-Romine looks at what happens when governing institutions, racial ideologies, and public health policies collide.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2025
In 1994, the party joined a governing coalition with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
—Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2025
In New Mexico, as in most states, the commissions that govern these departments have been appointed by governors.
—Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
Historian Alicia Gutierrez-Romine looks at what happens when governing institutions, racial ideologies, and public health policies collide.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2025
In 1994, the party joined a governing coalition with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
—Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2025
In New Mexico, as in most states, the commissions that govern these departments have been appointed by governors.
—Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
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Quick look at Wednesday's news: The Menendez brothers are eligible for parole, a judge ruled.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.—
Ronald Blum,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Verb
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This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Each one shapes how we’re perceived and how others regulate their own behavior in response.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Russell tried to console Elissa and somehow managed to keep himself composed, holding up both of them through the disappointment.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2025
Verb
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In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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Cardinale and his team have long chased the Telegraph, but an earlier an earlier attempt to buy it through All3Media owner RedBird IMI, which is majority controlled out of the Middle East, was blocked by the Conservative Party.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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May contain slightly more flavonoids compared to green tea.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
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Wildfire smoke contains very dangerous, tiny pollutants called PM2.5 that can travel deep into the lungs or enter the bloodstream when inhaled.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Wayne Ford,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The media giant operates across more than 220 countries and territories in 50 languages through its portfolio of brands including Discovery Channel, Max, CNN, HBO, and others.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Cruising Altitude: Air traffic control keeps planes moving.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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And that group could eventually reach six, as Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado and José Ramírez keep doing their thing.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Air traffic control staffing issues and equipment failures have made national headlines in recent weeks due to a series of telecommunications outages at a facility that oversees air traffic at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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Batlle, who previously worked with Branco as director of sales for theatrical distribution at Warner Bros. France, will oversee the creation of Studio TF1’s new theatrical distribution arm, including hiring a team.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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