Synonyms of governing

governing

verb

present participle of govern

1

as in ruling

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

• ruling
• controlling
• dictating
• dominating
• managing
• commanding
• presiding (over)
• administering
• overseeing
• domineering
• regulating
• swaying
• captaining
• leading
• bossing
• supervising
• conducting
• directing
• superintending
• heading
• mastering
• oppressing
• micromanaging
• conquering
• reigning (over)
• subjugating
• tyrannizing
• subduing
• lording (it over)

2

as in regulating

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

• regulating
• controlling
• containing
• curbing
• keeping
• restraining
• measuring
• ruling
• suppressing
• stifling
• inhibiting
• constraining
• holding
• taming
• checking
• stopping
• pulling in
• bridling
• swallowing
• reining (in)
• interrupting
• repressing
• hindering
• holding back
• strangling
• smothering
• impeding
• blocking
• hampering
• choking (back)
• obstructing
• arresting
• bottling (up)
• silencing
• sinking
• squelching
• mincing
• muffling
• pocketing
• handcuffing
• muzzling
• gagging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• losing
• loosening
• liberating
• expressing
• taking out
• venting
• airing
• unleashing
• loosing

3

as in managing

to look after and make decisions about

the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• managing
• operating
• regulating
• overseeing
• supervising
• controlling
• handling
• conducting
• running
• administering
• keeping
• guiding
• directing
• protecting
• superintending
• tending
• administrating
• presiding (over)
• carrying on
• stewarding
• watching over
• overlooking
• steering
• leading
• watching
• safeguarding
• guarding
• piloting
• caring (for)
• minding
• micromanaging
• stage-managing
• codirecting
• comanaging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of governing

Digging in the sand is a cherished beach tradition, but a trend of tourists creating deeper holes has forced many coastal towns to adopt laws governing the practice. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

Chapa also removed proposals for new rules around noise and economic development agreements related to data centers, however, the council will consider new rules governing data center water use, Syed said. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

The Football Association, the governing body of the sport in England, has to be alive to opportunities like this. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 July 2026

In a statement, a museum spokesperson said the Guggenheim complies with all New York City regulations governing cooling towers and has been advised that no further action is needed. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026

Consumers who question online reviews, recommendations and corporate claims often apply that same scrutiny to institutions, governing bodies and organizations connected to major events. — Rebecca Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to a request for details on why the additional tickets had become available. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

There are early signs that views may have changed in the six years since the governing board unanimously voted to eliminate SAT and ACT requirements. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

But Persad-Bissessar, who left that summit early, argues the decision violated the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the agreement governing the bloc known as CARICOM. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026