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Definitions

govern

[guhv-ern] / ˈgʌv ərn /
VERB
take control; rule
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer carry out conduct control dictate guide manage oversee regulate supervise
STRONG
captain command direct execute head lead order overrule pilot reign render run steer superintend sway tyrannize
WEAK
assume command be in power be in the driver's seat call the shots call the signals exercise authority head up hold dominion hold office hold sway lay down the law occupy throne pull the strings serve the people wear the crown
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon leave mismanage neglect
STRONG
fail follow obey serve
WEAK
acquiesce agree allow comply consent give way permit surrender yield
VERB
influence; hold in check
Synonyms
STRONGEST
control curb decide determine dominate guide handle inhibit manage regulate rule
STRONG
boss bridle check contain direct discipline dispose incline predispose restrain shepherd steer subdue sway tame underlie
WEAK
directionalize get the better of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon aid assist help hesitate mismanage neglect submit
STRONG
liberate release
WEAK
acquiesce agree allow comply consent give way obey permit surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"If you understand the rules that govern a system, you now have the possibility of changing it."

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

Weakening the NIH could undermine America’s place in fast-moving fields like AI-biotech research, narrowing its global influence over the very rules and norms that will govern the future.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

They represent the United States, and their obligation, by statute, by tradition, and by the ethical rules that govern every attorney who stands in a federal courtroom, is to seek justice.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

While state laws govern how marriages are unwound, resolutions for unmarried couples often hinge on a court’s interpretation of case law, with varying outcomes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Einstein’s general theory of relativity seems to govern the large-scale structure of the universe.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Vocabulary lists containing govern

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Persepolis

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