Synonyms for govern

verb

rule, command, administer, reign, legislate, oversee, hold dominion, hold sway, occupy the throne, assume command, hold office, serve the people, administer the laws, exercise authority, be in power, supervise, superintend, direct, dictate, lay down the law, tyrannize, wield the scepter*, wear the crown*, hold the reins of empire*.

govern implies the exercise of authority in controlling the actions of the members of a body politic and directing the affairs of state, and generally connotes as its purpose the maintenance of public order and the promotion of the common welfare; rule now usually signifies the exercise of arbitrary or autocratic power; administer implies the orderly management of governmental or institutional affairs by executive officials

See govern in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II

Learn more about govern

» govern definition

» govern sentence examples

» govern quote examples

link/cite print suggestion box

Synonyms for govern

More from YD