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
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Recent Examples of governs
The paranoia that now governs American life echoes the paranoid logic of the domestic thriller.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Across the country, a patchwork system governs requirements for strippers.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 28 Jan. 2026
The more important story is what happens when fear governs access to care.
—Jesus Ruiz, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
Mamdani governs the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
—Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Trump governs from the same interior logic.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
In a unanimous vote, the House approved an amendment to the rule that governs the package of funding bills, which the lower chamber is expected to vote on later Thursday ahead of a deadline to avert a government shutdown.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Most Americans according to the latest polls disapprove of Trump and hope for a return to a president who governs with a respect for the norms presidents of both parties have observed when criticizing those who differed with them.
—Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
The state Republican filing asks Justice Elena Kagan, who is assigned to the Ninth Circuit, which includes California, to issue an injunction pending an appeal that would temporarily reinstate the map that now governs the boundaries.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Across the country, a patchwork system governs requirements for strippers.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 28 Jan. 2026
The more important story is what happens when fear governs access to care.
—Jesus Ruiz, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
Mamdani governs the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
—Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Trump governs from the same interior logic.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
In a unanimous vote, the House approved an amendment to the rule that governs the package of funding bills, which the lower chamber is expected to vote on later Thursday ahead of a deadline to avert a government shutdown.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Most Americans according to the latest polls disapprove of Trump and hope for a return to a president who governs with a respect for the norms presidents of both parties have observed when criticizing those who differed with them.
—Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
The state Republican filing asks Justice Elena Kagan, who is assigned to the Ninth Circuit, which includes California, to issue an injunction pending an appeal that would temporarily reinstate the map that now governs the boundaries.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for governs
Verb
-
Autopsy rules Good's death a homicide More than two weeks after she was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent in Minnesota, the Hennepin County medical examiner's office ruled the death of Renee Good a homicide.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Because the Rams play in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, NFL rules state that Scheelhaase can’t do in-person interviews until next week.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Here’s a helpful primer about what hormones do, how your body regulates them, and tips for supporting your hormone health in ways that actually work.—
Rachel Reiff Ellis,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The old guard is crumbling, as the NCAA no longer regulates the economic exchange of value between schools and their players—not to mention the outside intervention of third-party interests.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The spa Asian—specifically, Balinese—influences are again evident in the decor, massage techniques, and ingredients used at the 30,000-square-foot Mandara Spa, the Atlantis location of the beloved wellness brand that operates at resorts around the world and on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings.—
Jesse Ashlock,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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Standing against them is notorious kingpin Bada Chaudhary (Sharad Kelkar), whose syndicate operates through layers of deceit through corridors in Saudi Arabia, Ethopia, Italy, Thailand and the UK.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Use Paint to Refresh Cracked Wood Start by cleaning the wood with hot, soapy water that contains a degreasing agent.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
-
DeFi advocates also want to ensure the market structure bill contains language allowing individuals to self-custody their crypto.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Rodriguez works at an after-school program in Orange County and supervises third graders.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The position directly supervises all parole agent specialists and parole agent supervisors assigned to the Division of Training Unit.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
January 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Powell this week oversees his third-to-last meeting as chair, with his term ending on May 15.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
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According to Arno Eichberger, who oversees scientific operations, the simulator produces results that closely match real-world driving conditions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Hot honey salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Daniel, for his part, keeps his feet on the ground amid aspirations for bigger milestones.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Governs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/governs. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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