Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for govern.
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.

For, as Madison said, “if men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Reports of new U.S. rules to govern artificial-intelligence processor exports won’t help change that.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

States have exclusive authority to govern and administer state and local elections.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“The big question for me is how to teach students to govern their own attention, judgment and thought in a society that increasingly treats them as extractable resources,” Senk said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

‘He can govern man and beast. He will make it yet.’

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing govern

"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Persepolis

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!