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
Education officials constantly press for more state spending, which is governed by complicated formulas in a 1988 ballot measure, Proposition 98.
—
Dan Walters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Kate appeared in her role as patron of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
The heartbeat slowed, proving that the heart rate is chemically governed.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Now, the Broward Teachers Union is filing a grievance, which in part challenges whether the meeting violated the state’s Sunshine Law that governs open meetings, President Anna Fusco told the Sun Sentinel.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Dan Walters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Kate appeared in her role as patron of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
The heartbeat slowed, proving that the heart rate is chemically governed.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Now, the Broward Teachers Union is filing a grievance, which in part challenges whether the meeting violated the state’s Sunshine Law that governs open meetings, President Anna Fusco told the Sun Sentinel.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
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At a news conference, the president cited the 1974 Trade Act for the 10% tariffs rather than the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the high court ruled he wasn’t authorized to use.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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The public would see more information about how judges rule on pretrial matters, sentencing, courtroom efficiency and how often their decisions are reversed on appeal under this House bill.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The American Water Works Association, a utility industry association, had challenged the rule in court, arguing the EPA lacks authority to regulate the portion of the pipe that’s on private property and therefore cannot require water systems to replace them.—
Michael Phillis,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, eating fiber helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion, and supports feelings of fullness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Posey, the executive, seems content to manage a massive talent debt to the Dodgers that grows larger by the day.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Coyotes also manage urban deer populations — a critical ecosystem function because ballooning deer herds can decimate forests, stunt plant growth and contribute to invasive species influxes.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There is no specific rule about who qualifies for the honor, a decision controlled by concurrence from both the House and Senate.—
MATT BROWN,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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First, Iran would have to be able to control the strait after a strike.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Honorable mentions New to the regular concession offerings, the Baja-style fruit cups are a light and refreshing snack containing slices of watermelon, mango, jicama and cucumber and they are garnished with chamoy, lime juice and Tajin.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Water and moisture resistance Wood and water don’t mix well, and any type of flooring that contains wood will be prone to warping, rot and permanent water damage.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These transistors were then assembled into a fully working radio-frequency (RF) communication system operating between 12 and 18 gigahertz.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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Currently, companies only have to pay $300 and show proof of insurance to become registered to operate, and they might not be audited until a year or more later.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Vitello, though, knows enough about spring ball to keep things in perspective.—
Haley Smilow,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
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Overall, Lowell head coach Nick Logan is proud of his girls for keeping their drive and dedication all the way to the win.—
Hannah Hughes,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That duty usually resides with a state board overseeing the program, Olson said.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Samuli Torssonen of Energia VFX will oversee visual effects, and Slovenian art-rock band Laibach are in discussions to compose the score.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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