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sovereignty

noun

ˈsä-v(ə-)rən-tē How to pronounce sovereignty (audio)
variants also sovranty
Definition of sovereigntynext
1
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another upon leaving home she felt that she had achieved sovereignty for the first time in her life

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2
as in nation
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government as parts of the same sovereignty, the states should not enact laws intended to harm one another economically

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3
as in dominion
controlling power or influence over others the gradual sovereignty of English as the language of international communication

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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 sovereignty Rather, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026 Pushing a pro-Russia position not only undermines sovereignty and democracy in Ukraine but also harms America’s relationships with other critical European allies, for whom Russia’s aggression is a paramount threat. — Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 The postwar constitutions of France and Italy explicitly countenanced a future global body that would trump their own sovereignty. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 Mogadishu rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and considers Berbera, its coastline and its resources part of Somalia. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sovereignty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereignty
  1. autonomy
  2. nation
  3. dominion
  4. independence
  5. state
  6. supremacy
  7. freedom
  8. country
Noun
  • The incidents have raised questions about the safeguards needed as AI agents gain greater autonomy and access to the internet and computer systems.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The North Carolina operation also connected autonomy with regional healthcare logistics.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand and the two countries can contribute to each other's success, thereby benefiting the wider world.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Sheinbaum confirmed the participation of the K-pop group in the bilateral meeting, which will primarily address topics such as trade and investment cooperation as well as the expansion of South Korean cultural content in the Latin American nation.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • Faced with the dominion of the identical copy, some modern artists chose to celebrate it; others took a more critical, even antagonistic stance.
    — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Propelling themselves through the 00s, iconic franchises continued to thrive with both Star Wars and Star Trek maintaining their dominion over sci-fi cinema.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • The agreement would still apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence.
    — FARNOUSH AMIRI, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The deal also requires the creation of a board to ensure the editorial independence of CNN and CBS News.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • That opened the door for the 12 states to flex their legal muscle to scrutinize the combination.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • After the undisputed killers plead insanity, doctors for the left-wing prosecutor and the defense often back their claims, judges approve the pleas, and the acquittees submit to annual reviews assessing whether the state should release them.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of state
Noun
  • No government or entity has ever managed to hold both military and political supremacy over the entire territory of Yemen in modern history.
    — Mahad D. Darar, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
  • His prayerful recognition of God’s supremacy and government of the universe refreshed his heart and lifted his thought above the human fears and limitations that plague an illusory, material sense of existence.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of supremacy
Noun
  • As with the freedom argument, this claim hopes to appeal to both the left and the right, for equality of opportunity is a bipartisan political value.
    — J. Toby Reiner, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The upcoming elections, like most elections in Russia, will take place under a climate of pervasive fear and manipulation, not the freedom to exercise a democratic right, according to critics.
    — Chris Massaro , Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of freedom
Noun
  • That result shocked many Germans who had believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its Nazi past through education and laws to prohibit persecution.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Subsequent intermittent attacks between the two countries have coincided with higher domestic gas prices due to disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of country

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sovereignties
sovereignty
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Cite this Entry

“Sovereignty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereignty. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sovereignty

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sovereignty

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