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
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 govern
But the rules governing tankless gas water heaters were vulnerable because they were issued in the final weeks of Biden’s term.
—
Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
Last year, promoter Relevent Sports — a firm hoping to bring La Liga, Serie A and even Premier League fixtures stateside — settled a lawsuit with FIFA, world football’s governing body.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
As if a 48-team tournament next year wasn’t big enough, the president of South America’s governing body, CONMEBOL, has called for the World Cup to expand again… to 64 countries.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The Football Association, still commonly described as English football’s governing body, has become content to be a mere bystander.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
Last year, promoter Relevent Sports — a firm hoping to bring La Liga, Serie A and even Premier League fixtures stateside — settled a lawsuit with FIFA, world football’s governing body.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
As if a 48-team tournament next year wasn’t big enough, the president of South America’s governing body, CONMEBOL, has called for the World Cup to expand again… to 64 countries.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The Football Association, still commonly described as English football’s governing body, has become content to be a mere bystander.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
-
Johnston, however, ruled another section of the law in question constitutional.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
In its opinion on Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that each Venezuelan immigrant facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act must file an individual challenge as a habeas petition.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
College leaders don’t want to recognize the athletes as employees, but that comes at a cost: NCAA attempts to regulate the market in arguably logical ways swiftly face antitrust lawsuits.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Through its Kigali Amendment, the treaty now also targets powerful climate-warming gases. CITES continues to regulate international wildlife trade, curbing the exploitation of endangered species and protecting biodiversity across the planet.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
As for recharging, Google could do better—the Pixel 9a manages just 23 W wired and 7.5 W wireless, and the flagship Pixels are only a little faster.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
-
With the 18-34 crowd, the season managed a 0.378 rating, up 14% from last season’s 0.332 rating.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Judge Brinkema ruled that Google unlawfully controls two of the three parts of the advertising technology market: the publisher ad server market and ad exchange market.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Keystone oil pipeline was shut down Tuesday morning following a rupture in North Dakota, with the resulting spill contained to an agricultural field near Fort Ransom.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The underlying challenge the editorial was hinting at was how any reform can be accomplished through governance mechanisms to contain growth which also respects some measure of individual choice for consumption.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The district would have the authority to plan, purchase, build and operate the facilities to provide water for domestic, municipal and commercial use.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The Chinese military has expanded its reach and presence by building advanced warships and operating far from the country's coastline.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Below are the ones that will help keep the area around your nose clear and irritation-free.—
Daley Quinn,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The Algerine kept looking but didn’t find any additional bodies.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In addition, Tobey oversees Lionsgate’s AI initiatives designed to increase production, marketing and distribution efficiency and provide new tools for filmmakers, including its partnership with Runway.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Joan Jett and her company Blackheart have entered into a partnership with hit songwriter Evan Bogart’s Seeker Music to oversee the legendary rock artist’s catalog together, The Hollywood Reporter can report exclusively.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share