1
as in rules
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 regulates
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 operates
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 governs
Prince William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, which governs the game in Wales, while Princess Kate supports Rugby Football Union, its counterpart in England.
—
Janine Henni, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Princess Kate, 43, is patron of the Rugby Football Union which governs the game in England, while Prince William, 42, is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
The first test for Johnson and his leadership team will come during a vote on the rule — which governs debate on the legislation — a traditionally mundane, party-line referendum that showcases where support stands for various measures.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
The panel voted 9-3 to adopt the rule, which governs debate on the legislation.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
The energy credits issue is tough for Republicans because a significant number of energy projects sprung up in red and purple districts or states — meaning a repeal of such credits could harm economies in some places where the GOP governs.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Such meetings are the routine way the pope governs, and shows Francis is still keeping up with essential business.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Antitrust law, in contrast, governs commercial dealings and inquires whether those dealings promote or curtail competition in an economic market.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
United States Attorney Ed Martin by the group that governs the region’s legal bar.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Janine Henni, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Princess Kate, 43, is patron of the Rugby Football Union which governs the game in England, while Prince William, 42, is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
The first test for Johnson and his leadership team will come during a vote on the rule — which governs debate on the legislation — a traditionally mundane, party-line referendum that showcases where support stands for various measures.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
The panel voted 9-3 to adopt the rule, which governs debate on the legislation.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
The energy credits issue is tough for Republicans because a significant number of energy projects sprung up in red and purple districts or states — meaning a repeal of such credits could harm economies in some places where the GOP governs.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Such meetings are the routine way the pope governs, and shows Francis is still keeping up with essential business.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Antitrust law, in contrast, governs commercial dealings and inquires whether those dealings promote or curtail competition in an economic market.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
United States Attorney Ed Martin by the group that governs the region’s legal bar.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for governs
Verb
-
Like other Gazans, many Christians in the enclave say their lives have long been overshadowed by a cycle of wars with Israel and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade that tightly regulates travel and commerce.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
-
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates drones and light shows and permitted the Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola on Saturday.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Ant operates Alipay, one of the two major apps for mobile payments in China.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
-
In essence, Nvidia treats the entire data center as the new unit of compute, interconnecting chips, servers and racks so tightly that an AI factory operates as a single colossal supercomputer.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But the problem, experts say, is that sewage today contains a host of chemicals, including PFAS, generated by businesses, factories and homes.—
Hiroko Tabuchi,
New York Times,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Products, like Latisse—which contains an ingredient called Prostaglandin—were specially formulated to help lashes grow long.—
Lorena Meouchi,
Vogue,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Next Tuesday, the team and the city (as well as the trust that oversees the land White Stadium is on) will head to trial and defend the stadium renovation.—
Meg Linehan,
The Athletic,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The Home Rule Act of 1973, which was enacted by Congress and ratified by District voters, allows a 13-member council — including a chairman — to be elected that oversees local affairs, according to the council’s website.—
Kate Linderman,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This helps each one retain its football-like shape and keeps the fudgy topping from melting into the brownie.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Faye Chen of Double Chicken Please With the Lunar New Year fast approaching, bartender GN Chan has flown the award-laden Double Chicken Please coop to spend his holiday with family in Taiwan while his co-founder and mother hen Faye Chen keeps the nest warm.—
Ingu Chen,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Part of Historic Garden Week's uniqueness is that each club manages its individual tour, including selecting the homes and providing staffing on its tour date.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
-
But How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies manages that magic trick.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The company, which conducts air cargo flights and charter services, did not disclose the names of the pilots.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC News,
18 Dec. 2024
-
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has a trump card in his deck, which will prove to be invaluable once Congress conducts its House speaker vote next month.—
Asher Notheis,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Sancho made one or two good recovery runs to track Munoz, but those efforts were not consistent, leaving Cucurella to defend one-on-one too often.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Shoppers mention that the set runs large, so consider sizing down.—
Annita Katee,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Governs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/governs. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share