Reign — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈrān/

Meaning & Definition of Reign

Reign (noun)

  1. royal authority, sovereignty
  2. the dominion, sway, or influence of one resembling a monarch
  3. the time during which someone (such as a sovereign) reigns

Reign (verb)

  1. to possess or exercise sovereign power, rule
  2. to hold office as chief of state although possessing little governing power
  3. to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch

Reign (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. controlling power or influence over others

    "a start-up threatening the company's reign over the computer chip market"

    similar: ascendance, ascendancy, dominance, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, sovereignty, supremacy
    related: primacy, superiority, lordship, scepter, arm, authority, choke hold, clutch, command, control, grip, hold, mastery, sway, takeover, direction, jurisdiction, management, clout, might, pull, weight, eminence, importance, moment, prerogative, privilege, right
    near: helplessness, weakness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness

  2. the right or means to command or control others

    "a democratic nation that is governed by the reign of law and not by the whim of its chief executive"

    similar: arm, authority, clutch, command, control, death grip, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, rein(s), sway
    related: clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight, jurisdiction, direction, management, dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty, supremacy, prerogative, privilege, right, eminence, importance, moment
    opposite: impotence, impotency, powerlessness
    near: helplessness, weakness

Reign (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in rule, govern

    similar: govern, rule, monitor, preside (over), administer, command, control, direct, guide, manage, order, run, shepherd, show, steer, boss, captain, handle, head, overlook, oversee, quarterback, superintend, supervise

Related Entry: Reign (over) (verb)

Reign (over) is a different word from Reign. The synonyms below are for reign (over), not for reign.

  1. as in dominate, lord (it over)

    similar: dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, tyrannize, administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise, conquer, subdue, subjugate, conduct, direct, head, lead, boss, captain, command, control, govern, preside (over), rule, sway (archaic)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reign

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reign:

ascendance, ascendancy, dominance, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, sovereignty, supremacy, arm, authority, clutch, command, control, death grip, grip, hold, mastery, power, rein(s), sway, govern, rule, monitor, preside (over), administer, direct, guide, manage, order, run, shepherd, show, steer, boss, captain, handle

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reign

Words with the opposite meaning of Reign:

impotence, impotency, powerlessness

Related Words for Reign

primacy, superiority, lordship, scepter, choke hold, takeover, direction, jurisdiction, management, clout, might, pull, weight, eminence, importance, moment, prerogative, privilege, right, influence, leverage, voice

Near Antonyms of Reign

helplessness, weakness

Word Forms of Reign

Inflections: reigned, reigning, reigns

Origin & Etymology of Reign

Middle English regne, from Anglo-French, from Latin regnum, from reg-, rex king royal

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Reign

Words & Phrases Containing Reign

reign of terror, reign supreme

Frequently Asked Questions about Reign

What does "Reign" mean?

"Reign" means royal authority, sovereignty. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: royal authority, sovereignty. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Reign"?

Other words for "Reign" include ascendance, ascendancy, dominance, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium and predominance. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reign" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reign"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reign". Common alternatives include ascendance, ascendancy, dominance, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy and preeminence.

What is the opposite of "Reign"?

Antonyms of "Reign" include impotence, impotency and powerlessness. Near antonyms include helplessness and weakness.

How do you use "Reign" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reign" in a sentence: "a start-up threatening the company's reign over the computer chip market"; "a democratic nation that is governed by the reign of law and not by the whim of its chief executive".

Is "Reign" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reign" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Reign" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Reign" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Reign"?

"Reign" is pronounced /ˈrān/.