GOVERNS Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

governs

verb

present tense third-person singular of govern

as in rules

to exercise authority or power over the president is elected in order to govern the country, not to follow public opinion polls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in regulates

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in operates

to look after and make decisions about the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of governs Under the rules of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which governs high school sports in the state, such a switch is permitted. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The role will also oversee political giving as the company seeks a bigger voice in how Washington governs AI. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 And Rankin said the policy governs district purchasing and service contracts, while services retained directly by the school board fall under a different approval structure. — Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department argues that the regulatory process that governs license renewals would require a company to appeal an FCC order to the full commission. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Currently, the California Public Utilities Commission, not individual communities, governs the expansion of robotaxis into new cities. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Love eternally embraces all, Truth reveals goodness, Mind directs us, and Principle governs us. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026 Yellowstone National Park, which governs a portion of the Thorofare but not Atlantic Creek, where most people fish in June, requires backcountry campers to purchase and reserve campsites ahead of time. — Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 23 Sep. 2026 That longer discussion is a law-firm resource rather than controlling authority; the current statute governs. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for governs

Verb

Spain also proposed new data center rules this summer, requiring data centers to source 80% of their electricity from renewables.

— April Roach,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
The mayor is missing, the mafia is involved, a mad scientist rules the basement and all the prostitutes are vampires.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of rules

Verb

Flora, 43, has served as his party’s top budget official in the chamber and been the subject of several cases with the Fair Political Practices Commission, which regulates campaign finance, lobbying and government ethics.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Before the city or state adopts or regulates an AI tool that touches housing, jobs, benefits or immigration, the people affected should be asked first.

— Steven Choi, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

The plane was carrying out a medical evacuation in Bermuda, said Clarence Togeretz, the director of flight operations at Latitude Air Ambulance, which operates the plane.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2026
The Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates the state's three major airports, confirmed that the aircraft did not arrive at Boston Logan International Airport as scheduled.

— James Cirrone , Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of operates

Verb

Advertisement Their collection contains nearly a hundred pieces by around 40 artists from the Black diaspora, including fellow honoree Sherald.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
In addition to that central pool, the spa complex contains a tepidarium (warm relaxation room), Byzantine hammam (steam room), salt cave, Watsu pool, yoga and fitness rooms, and an area for massages and other treatments.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of contains

Verb

Whether Apple is actually preparing that product is besides the point, Luria added that just the possibility shows how limited Oura’s competitive position could be against a company that controls the entire iPhone ecosystem.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
The local administrative official reporter spoke to said the ELN controls both sides of the Colombia-Venezuela border and demands money for everything that transits through the area, not just drugs.

— Nathan Jaccard, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026