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
Space is in a revolutionary era, and the window to establish governing principles for this domain is shrinking.
—
Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026
Still, identifying a specific receptor that governs the bone-building balance gives researchers a clear target to work from.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Communities are not just governed, they are lived in.
—Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Perhaps the most controversial provision would preempt state laws governing model development for three years, which critics argue would strip states of their ability to enact stronger AI safety rules.
—Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026
Still, identifying a specific receptor that governs the bone-building balance gives researchers a clear target to work from.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Communities are not just governed, they are lived in.
—Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Perhaps the most controversial provision would preempt state laws governing model development for three years, which critics argue would strip states of their ability to enact stronger AI safety rules.
—Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
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India’s capitalist economy is booming, and the ruling Hindu-nationalist government is crushing its above-ground leftist opponents at the ballot box.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Lawmakers in Vietnam elected Communist Party chief To Lam as president on April 7, 2026, the chairman of the National Assembly said, making Lam head of state as well as general secretary of the ruling party.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
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According to Beemiller, alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain’s reward circuits.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
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The artists were protesting the approval of two decrees that regulate and censor artists not affiliated with state institutions, and penalize freedom of expression and independent journalism.—
Sarah Moreno
June 5,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Verb
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County officials said the money would be used to repair roads, fix storm damage, maintain bridges and manage roadside vegetation.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
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Wonder also owns and manages the kitchens, and handles delivery after buying GrubHub in a deal valued at $650 million that closed in 2025.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
Verb
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This reaction, however, produces heat, which can be controlled through adding chemical inhibitors or utilizing release valves, chemists say.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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In skincare, it’s commonly used to control oil, reduce acne, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier.—
Tatiana Dias,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Violence doesn’t stay contained.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
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However, xGC estimates that even with Lionel Messi, their roster doesn’t quite contain the same threat as teams like France and Spain.—
Ethan Douglas,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Other violations throughout the years included creating another public nuisance in 2006 that generated more than 10 complaints and operating equipment contrary to its permit.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Each one would need to stock more interceptors and operate with escort ships to fend off attacks.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) separately reported that Naqvi carried a letter from Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has continued to keep a low public profile since assuming his post in March.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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Spence’s job goes beyond keeping skiers safe.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The trio — whose collective credits include the Grammy Awards, Oscars and other major live television events — are overseeing the 2026 Tony Awards, airing live from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
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Israel's public security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the police, also commended the work of the security forces that apprehended him.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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