governs

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.

"We have no particular problem with Russia, nor with any other country. Our problem is with the regime that governs Bamako", Ramadane said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

He has been charged with violating part of South Africa's Public Finance Management Act, which governs how taxpayers' money is spent.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

It is one of the most precisely studied unconventional superconductors, yet researchers still disagree about how its electrons pair up and what symmetry governs that process.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

When, shortly thereafter, Congress enacted the law that governs when Election Day occurs, it said nothing about that.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

It governs our bodies, how we interact with the world and universe.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson