Showing results for governs.

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.

Research suggests that trauma can leave the amygdala—the brain’s threat-detection center—chronically overactivated, while dampening the prefrontal cortex, which governs reasoning.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Quantum mechanics governs nature at the smallest scales such as particles, while Einstein’s theory of general relativity applies to gravity and spacetime.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

They also did not seem to read or care about the statute that governs the agency and states that these exact subjects are proper objects of NEH support.

From Slate • May 14, 2026

He has been charged with violating part of South Africa's Public Finance Management Act, which governs how public finances are managed.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

For example: Here’s an explanation of the rhetorical term syllepsis: “the use of a word that relates to, qualifies, or governs two or more other words but has a different meaning in relation to each.”

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker