Definitions

head up

VERB

administer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise

STRONG

boss control head render run superintend

WEAK

be in the driver's seat be in the saddle crack the whip hold the reins pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave neglect obey

STRONG

WEAK

deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold

VERB

control

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer command conduct deal with dominate govern handle lead manage manipulate oversee regulate rule run supervise

STRONG

administrate advise boss bully call direct discipline domineer guide head instruct overlook pilot predominate quarterback regiment steer subject subjugate superintend

WEAK

be in saddle call the signals hold purse strings hold sway over hold the reins push buttons reign over run the show run things

Antonyms

STRONGEST

comply consent follow mismanage neglect obey serve submit surrender yield

STRONG

misguide mislead

WEAK

abandon chance forsake give up jump in let go relinquish renounce resign risk rush

VERB

direct

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advise conduct control guide handle keep lead operate run supervise

STRONG

administer boss dispose dominate govern influence ordain quarterback regulate rule shepherd superintend

WEAK

be in the driver's seat call the shots carry on control the affairs of have the say preside over run the show run things take the reins

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon give up leave let go neglect obey serve

STRONG

follow mismanage submit surrender yield

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead

VERB

govern

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 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

precede

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate foreshadow predate presage

STRONG

antecede antedate guide harbinger head herald introduce lead outrank pace pioneer preexist preface rank scout time usher

WEAK

be ahead of come first forerun go before go in advance have a head start in space light the way pave the way ring in run ahead take precedence

Antonyms

STRONG

end finish follow obey

WEAK

go after

VERB

predate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate foreshadow outrank presage

STRONG

antecede antedate guide harbinger head herald introduce lead pace pioneer preexist preface rank scout time usher

WEAK

be ahead of come first forerun go before go in advance have a head start in space light the way pave the way ring in run ahead take precedence

Antonyms

STRONG

end finish follow obey

VERB

preside

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer chair govern officiate ordain oversee supervise

STRONG

advise conduct control direct handle head keep lead manage operate run

WEAK

be at the head of be in driver's seat call the signals carry on do the honors pull the strings run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

follow obey

STRONG

abandon give up let go mismanage neglect

WEAK

serve

VERB

reign

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dominate govern hold sway occupy predominate

STRONG

administer boss command domineer helm influence manage obtain overrule preponderate rule sit

WEAK

be in power be in the driver's seat be supreme hold power rule the roost run the show run things superabound wear the crown

Antonyms

STRONGEST

surrender yield

STRONG

follow mismanage submit

WEAK

serve

VERB

run

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conduct control head keep lead operate own

STRONG

administer boss coordinate direct helm ordain oversee regulate superintend

WEAK

be in charge be in driver's seat be in saddle carry on look after pull the strings ride herd on take care of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon follow obey

STRONG

mismanage neglect

WEAK

serve

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.

The $12 trillion asset manager just hired portfolio manager Alexander Payne from Morgan Stanley Investment Management to head up the mortgage team within its active fixed-income group, a spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

"Let me hold my head up high in our village," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

You might spot wildlife as you head up, including bobcat, deer, owls, foxes and if lucky, a mountain lion, Hartman said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

Judi Dench and Stephen Fry head up a lovely audio version for those of us nostalgic for the coziness of being read to.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

I tip my head up toward the sky, watching that bird that’s singing to no one.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

head up

Example Sentences

Related Words