sovereign 1 of 2

variants also sovran
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sovereign

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noun

variants also sovran

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sovereign contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sovereign are autonomous, free, and independent. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to sovereign?

The meanings of autonomous and sovereign largely overlap; however, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When would free be a good substitute for sovereign?

While the synonyms free and sovereign are close in meaning, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is independent a more appropriate choice than sovereign?

In some situations, the words independent and sovereign are roughly equivalent. However, independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

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 sovereign
Adjective
But what is really catastrophic is what appears to be America abandoning its role as the leader of the free world allowing individuals like Putin and his ilk to intimidate and invade other sovereign areas without worrying about the consequences. Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 While the sovereign immunity defense failed Talton, Dalton ruled the wrongful death complaint against the second officer, Campbell, could be dismissed on those grounds — removing him from the suit entirely. Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
The crux of the problem is that the Constitution explicitly grants power to both federal and state governments – but the founders did not specify what to do if the two sovereigns disagree or how any ensuing struggle should be resolved. Claire B. Wofford, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025 The sovereign visited his daughter-in-law before his own procedure, and they were discharged a few days apart. Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sovereign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign
Adjective
  • My one and only visit was decades ago, in middle school, when my main priority was riding the roller coaster.
    Mariah Tyler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to a cozy and updated three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot main home, there’s a small 19th-century cabin with a rock chimney still standing on the property.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the military is trying to keep up with the innovation going on in the private sector—AI and autonomous vehicles, drones, etc.
    Edward Felsenthal, TIME, 16 Mar. 2025
  • This vision of the future is becoming increasingly real thanks to advancements in autonomous driving technology.
    Fox News Staff, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The violence of the last several days has laid bare challenges Syria’s new rulers had, up until last week, largely contained or met: resistance by Assad regime remnants, sectarian revenge attacks, and maintaining discipline over a patchwork of armed militant groups and hard-line foreign fighters.
    Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Mar. 2025
  • At the witch’s palace, Elli bonds with the Winkies, persuading them that serving a cruel ruler is unjust, and convinces them to rise up and free themselves.
    Christin Bohnke, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Originally built in 2004, the unit’s most prize-worthy feature was undoubtedly the enormous walk-in closet in the primary suite.
    Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The primary suite comes with a large walk-in closet.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, a federal judge blocked a separate but similar Utah law that required social media companies to verify users’ ages on First Amendment grounds.
    Clare Duffy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Zwirner initially invested $5 million in Platform, incorporated as a separate entity under David Zwirner Digital LLC.
    Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kate Middleton Makes Royal Return to St. Patrick's Day Parade: See All the Best Photos Princess Kate made a rare outing amid her cancer treatment in June 2024 during Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the British monarch's birthday.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The monarch, wearing a red tie and an Order of Canada lapel pin, congratulated Carney on his recent victory.
    Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Saltzman said China and Russia, which military leaders consider America's foremost strategic competitors, are moving ahead of the United States with technologies and techniques to attack satellites in orbit.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Pamela Furr, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Founded in 2002, Film Movement distributes award-winning independent and international films, having released more than 300 feature films from festivals worldwide.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sovereign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereign. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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