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Dictionary.com
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
follow
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.

A young lawyer named Mary Nichols became Gov. Jerry Brown’s choice to head up the California Air Resources Board, a state agency charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"It gets harder and harder to hold your head up high when you're campaigning," the MP said.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

It was only in September that Atkins got his choice External link to head up the SEC’s enforcement unit—the former military judge Margaret Ryan.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 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

He went back to the boy and lifted his head up, tipping the King coconut slowly against his mouth.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook