GOVERNED Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

governed 1 of 2

adjective

as in controlled

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governed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of govern

as in ruled

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

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as in regulated

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in operated

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

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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 governed

Adjective

The ability to operationalize intelligence in a sustainable, secure, governed and ever-improving ecosystem will be a source of competitive advantage. — Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Verb

Unrivaled remains governed by a 10-player committee, who advise on decisions such as travel and expansion. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Still, Madison’s argument for them recognized the ways in which the people running each branch of government would try to maneuver for supremacy and the impact that would have on the people being governed. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 According to testimony by Leah Barros on behalf of the California Hospital Association, the bill would group private detention facilities with licensed behavioral health facilities already governed by strict state guidelines. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Those who advocate for and support communism, fascism and national socialism might do well to remember that millions fled those countries governed by the aforementioned ideologies for America, the good, ol’ USA. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Last-mile delivery is already governed by 12 overlapping regulatory regimes, from DCWP and the Buildings Department to OSHA and the federal motor carrier rules. — Jessica Walker, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 The Republican frequently claims Mexico is governed by politicians linked to drug trafficking and has offered military support to Sheinbaum, who has rejected any such intervention. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 The work now is ensuring the transparency principles that have governed public markets for decades travel with the technology, not behind it. — Cromwell Coulson, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 It is governed by a 60-member parliament that elects two captains regent every six months to serve jointly as heads of state, a power-sharing arrangement designed to prevent the concentration of authority. — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for governed

Adjective

Which in layman’s terms means the Canvas L can produce more precise, controlled and transparent sound.

— John Archer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Hurteau says while many land managers and fire experts have been working to restore forest health, there still isn't nearly enough controlled burning being done.

— Lauren Sommer, NPR, 4 May 2026

Definition of controlled

Verb

Lively initially asked for treble damages and punitive damages as well, but Liman previously ruled that those were not available under federal law.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
In May, Judge Darren Steele ruled that the golfer’s drug history would be included in the trial, per court records, despite arguments from Woods’ attorney claiming that they should be kept out, in part for privacy.

— Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruled

Verb

The Horned Frogs operated well when in 13 (three tight ends, one receiver) and 12 personnel and going forward, that position group could be the ultimate chess piece for the Horned Frogs.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Eight other reservoirs operated by the Bureau of Reclamation recently recorded the lowest levels in at least the last 30 years.

— Wufei Yu, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of operated

Adjective

Study how the constrained labs built, and then apply those lessons with American compute behind them.

— Mark Minevich, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
The skills that defined the role, from customer understanding and feature prioritization to roadmap negotiation, were shaped by constrained capacity.

— Pallavi Mahajan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of constrained

Verb

Americans have generally managed to keep their credit scores intact despite grappling with high prices and economic worries, but don't let that fool you into thinking consumers are all okay.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Trainor is managed by Nikola Barisic for Bond Artist Management and represented by Aaron Rosenberg for Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light LLP.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of managed

Adjective

China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.

— Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
But this Sin City home takes a more restrained approach, pairing clean lines and strong geometric forms with the natural beauty of the Southwest.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of restrained

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governed

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Style

“Governed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/governed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of governed

adjective

verb

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