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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of govern
As part of the contract agreed with World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, CBS will also become the home of not only every men’s and women’s World Cup match but also men’s and women’s USA national team matches.
—
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 22 May 2025
For medical marijuana providers in Texas and elsewhere, the hemp industry is a wild-west competitor — not subject to the strict safety testing, sales limits or security controls that govern legal marijuana.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 22 May 2025
Starvation as weapon of war The use of starvation as a weapon is strictly forbidden under the Geneva Conventions, a set of statutes that govern the laws of warfare.
—Yara M. Asi, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
State laws governing solar projects have frustrated many county lawmakers, who feel the state is taking the control over local projects out of their hands.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 22 May 2025
For medical marijuana providers in Texas and elsewhere, the hemp industry is a wild-west competitor — not subject to the strict safety testing, sales limits or security controls that govern legal marijuana.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 22 May 2025
Starvation as weapon of war The use of starvation as a weapon is strictly forbidden under the Geneva Conventions, a set of statutes that govern the laws of warfare.
—Yara M. Asi, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
State laws governing solar projects have frustrated many county lawmakers, who feel the state is taking the control over local projects out of their hands.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for govern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for govern
Verb
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Kim had ordered the destroyer to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, calling the matter one of national honor.—
Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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Kim has ordered the ship to be restored before a ruling party meeting in June.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Each one shapes how we’re perceived and how others regulate their own behavior in response.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Russell tried to console Elissa and somehow managed to keep himself composed, holding up both of them through the disappointment.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2025
Verb
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In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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Cardinale and his team have long chased the Telegraph, but an earlier an earlier attempt to buy it through All3Media owner RedBird IMI, which is majority controlled out of the Middle East, was blocked by the Conservative Party.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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For example, foods containing the slow-release carbohydrate sweetener sucromalt help people with diabetes prevent blood sugar spikes, and hypoallergenic infant formula can be lifesaving for infants that cannot digest milk at a young age.—
Paul Dawson,
The Conversation,
26 May 2025
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The Gold Bond Defense Stick contains ingredients that not only help prevent friction but also soothe the skin, such as aloe.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Wayne Ford,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The media giant operates across more than 220 countries and territories in 50 languages through its portfolio of brands including Discovery Channel, Max, CNN, HBO, and others.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Cruising Altitude: Air traffic control keeps planes moving.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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London kept control of the archipelago and renamed it as the British Indian Ocean Territory.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Since the election, the Trump administration has overseen a deportation plan with far greater reach to include student visa holders and immigrants in the U.S. on Temporary Protected Status.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
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Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey oversee the film for Lionsgate, with Dan Freedman, Phil Strina, John Biondo and Matt Leonetti having negotiated the deal for the studio.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Govern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/govern. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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