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
Intended to provide France and Europe with full sovereign access to space, VORTEX is designed to lift off atop a rocket without a fairing, have full orbital and atmospheric maneuverability, and land on a conventional runway. David Szondy june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025 Taiwan functions as a de facto sovereign state, with its own legal system, military and international relations. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Noun
Political cousins Canada and Australia share a lot in common: a political system, a major mining industry, a sovereign in King Charles. Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 4 May 2025 There are just 24 Companions, and appointments are at the monarch's sole discretion to recognize public service or personal service to the sovereign. Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sovereign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign
Adjective
  • Meander along the Big Bend Scenic Byway and stop along main streets and pull-offs that look interesting.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state police, federal police and Australia's main domestic spy agency, said the fire was likely a politically motivated attack.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some states have worked toward laws that mandate human operators in autonomous vehicles; others have fought against the proliferation of deepfakes flooding the internet; some have taken on data privacy and more.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
  • Tesla’s autonomous ride hailing service went live just over a week ago with nearly a dozen robotaxis shuttling passengers in downtown Austin.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The ultimate ruler on the appeal of the board’s decision is the board.
    Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
  • Art and creativity flourished under her rule, with the Deir el-Bahri complex built during her time as ruler.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now Vest has 15 saves and has blossomed into the Tigers’ primary ninth-inning option.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Pocketbook Issues Dominate The primary drivers of uncertainly are the cost of living, price inflation and general economic uncertainty.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Milwaukee police are investigating two separate shootings on July 10 that left two people, including a young child, dead.
    Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • During his appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, the actor and television host, 51, revealed that his twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, 16, will be in separate places for the summer.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • However, the long-reigning monarch never wore the Greville tiara in public, likely due to its significant connection to her late mother.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • The revolutionary focus was, and remains today, on the rights of the individual — not the state, not the monarch, not a corporate entity, not a particular economic or social class, and certainly not the military.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • First launched in 1985, FIBO has become one of the earth’s foremost fitness and wellness-focused trade shows, with roughly 130,000 participants set to convene in Cologne, Germany in April 2026.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Paul, a foremost Republican critic against Trump’s tariff policy, said the latest tariff, which Trump said would go into effect Aug. 1, could lead to a slippery slope that harms the U.S.’s economic standing and Wall Street.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Annika Freyer has been named president of Fondation Chanel, while Elizabeth Broderick will become an independent chair of the board.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Cuomo is considering running in the general election on an independent ballot line.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sovereign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereign. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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