sovereign 1 of 2

variants also sovran
Definition of sovereignnext

sovereign

2 of 2

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
Adding another layer to the country’s plans is the fact that several Canadian provinces already have existing provincial sovereign wealth funds. Keely Bastow, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026 The final cohort is the smallest and includes Mauritius and Rwanda, which are both seeking an external lifeline from the International Monetary Fund or sovereign partners such as India, assuming that international disbursements or alternative supply chains will save the day. Judd Devermont, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
The hope was that the visit, the first by a British sovereign in nearly two decades, would help smooth fractured relations between the two nations. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 18 Mar. 2026 His influence over the other Italian sovereigns and over the country clergy and nobility, none of whom would have been likely to adhere to the national movement without his example, was immense in 1846 and 1847. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sovereign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign
Adjective
  • One of the book’s main themes is that trauma and damage, like red hair or skill with animals, can be handed down from one generation to the next.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • Two smaller structures rise to six floors each, alongside the 20-story main tower.
    Adam Williams May 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The following year, the City Council called for an independent commission to advise on overhauling the city’s criminal-justice system; it was chaired by Jonathan Lippman, a former chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, and Richards became a member.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Luckily these pests can be controlled with a natural spray of spinosad found in Bonide, Fertilome and Southern Ag brands of insecticides usually offered for caterpillar control at independent garden centers.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • In the show Prince Adam is the son of Eternia’s rulers, King Randor and Queen Marlena.
    Sanat Pai RaikarAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
  • The diamond, which is over 105 carats, had been passed around by various rulers throughout its early life, and eventually was brought back to India in 1813 and into the hands of ruler Ranjit Singh.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The investment comes during a time when demand for autonomous drones is at an all-time high.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The difference in the versions is that while the V1 requires the pilot to manually adjust the speed and altitude to lock onto a target, the V2 has autonomous targeting software to close in on a target that is approved by the pilot.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Specifically, the monarch's historic address to a session of Congress, which followed in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, was highly praised.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • But sometimes, the monarch wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Retailers also posted their highest volume of monthly job openings since 2023 in March, a separate report of preliminary government data found.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • With separate compartments for morning, noon, evening, and bedtime, the Auvon Weekly Pill Organizer keeps everything—well—organized.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Forward Caleb Malhotra Malhotra, 6-2 and 183 pounds, wrapped up a dominant season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists).
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
  • That same year — 1996 — saw the birth of Fox News Channel and arrival of a new dominant mogul in cable news, Rupert Murdoch.
    David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Opponents hope to block the map from taking effect before congressional primary elections in August.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • The primary election will be June 30.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sovereign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereign. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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