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
  • Her cold, calculating demeanor and constant desire to be in authority also reflect Capricorn's planetary ruler, Saturn.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Now, after 13 years of civil war and more than half a century of subjugation under the Assad regime, the Druze in Hader seem to have little appetite for taking their chances with the new ruler in Damascus.
    Uriel Heilman, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • State law also indicates the special primary election must be between 120 to 130 days after the vacancy occurs and that the special general election must be between 70 and 80 days after the special primary.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Executives of those companies pledged to invest an initial $100 billion and up to $500 billion over the next four years in the project, which will be set up as a separate company.
    Angela Yang, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The European import tax, which was unveiled in response to steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. administration, is expected to go into effect on April 1, just ahead of separate reciprocal tariffs that Trump plans to place on the EU.
    TIME, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As the next monarch, William holds the key to the pomp and pageantry Trump admires.
    Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But as Eden pointed out, Charles and subsequent monarchs have the power to take the title away.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Pamela Furr, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • My foremost camera concern is image quality, and that’s where Apple really cannot hang with cheaper Android alternatives.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sovereign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereign. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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