Find Synonyms

governess Synonyms

Another word for governess

Choosing another word for governess depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A woman employed in a private household to teach and train the children, typically living with the family.

Usage Example

"In the nineteenth-century novel, the young tutor was hired to teach French and music to the wealthy landowner's daughters."

Strong
tutor
instructress
preceptress
duenna
Weak
nanny

• noun (Context 2)

A female governor or ruler, or the wife of a governor (now rare or archaic).

Usage Example

"The historical chronicle referred to the queen regent as the supreme governor of the realm."

Strong
governor
ruler

• verb (Context 3)

To work as a governess, or to instruct and supervise someone in the manner of a governess.

Usage Example

"After finishing her schooling, she governessed for several prominent families in the countryside."

Strong
tutor
instruct
Weak
chaperone

Opposites of governess

The opposite of governess shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

pupil
ward
See all opposites of governess

• Nearby Words

govern
governable
governance
governess
governing
government
governmental

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Governess. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/governess
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