governs

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take control; rule v.
influence; hold in check v.

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.

See Examples For:

governs

The review he asked for is modeled on the Tunney Act, a federal law that governs antitrust settlements proposed by the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

New Mexico’s insurance code governs how insurance holding companies register with the state.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

The talks are taking place seven months after US forces seized president Nicolas Maduro and as interim leader Delcy Rodriguez governs under Washington's watchful eye.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

And Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America, said its 41 member associations also "rejected" the plan.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

Chris’s seemingly anomalous political positions were perhaps best summed up by Thoreau’s declaration in “Civil Disobedience": "I heartily accept the motto—‘That government is best which governs least.’

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer