sovereign 1 of 2

variants also sovran
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2

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
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids sovereign claims over celestial bodies. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 Over the last few days, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France and others recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Greg Dixon, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
Around the same time, William and Kate attended a commemorative event for the late sovereign less than 10 miles away in Sunningdale. Max Foster, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Credit markets and ratings agencies—whose job is to be cold-eyed about risk—have registered that transformation: Moody’s upgraded the sovereign to Aa3 in Nov. 2024, S&P raised the Kingdom to A+ in March 2025, and Fitch affirmed A+ with a stable outlook in July 2025. Ali Shihabi, Time, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sovereign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign
Adjective
  • Transfer fee add-ons, or ‘contingent consideration’, to use accountancy lingo, can be accounted for in different ways, with three main practices used in the industry.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Frontier Drive is also envisioned as the project’s main street and will be lined with shops and restaurants.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Emily Warren, a state deputy transportation secretary, emailed the Tesla public-policy staffer and top officials at two other state agencies overseeing autonomous vehicles, citing concern over public misconceptions about Tesla’s Bay Area plans.
    Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Although California was the early test bed for autonomous driving tech, the much more permissive regulatory environment in the Lone Star State, plus lots of wide, straight roads and mostly good weather, ticked enough boxes to see companies like Waymo and Zoox set up shop there.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mysteries of Cleopatra’s death Despite her short life of just 39 years, Cleopatra made an impact on the ancient world as one of a handful of female rulers and the last pharaoh of Egypt.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • King Arthur Caroussel, named for the legendary ruler of Britain, would be the perfect ride for the fifth in line to the British throne.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The primary role of liaisons is to remove any barriers for students that would prevent them from accessing their education, said Valerie Gyroy, the academic advisor for families with housing insecurity with the Chandler Unified School District.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Our silky sateen Violet Gem Sheet Set brings just the right amount of moodiness to your primary or guest bedroom.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All these news items may appear to be separate events.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Three separate lawsuits seek to block it from taking effect, while opponents are hoping to mount a referendum campaign that would ask voters to strike down the map through a statewide vote.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Queen Camilla is being accused of leaving King Charles to go on a lavish vacation amid the monarch’s progressing cancer battle.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Celebrate the monarch migration, explore pollinator-friendly gardens, learn about water quality, rain barrels, and more.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On August 31, the International Association of Genocide Scholars—the foremost academic body in the field—voted to affirm that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
    Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • One of the foremost images of American exceptionalism is that of the strong frontier woman taming the elements alongside her husband while also keeping the hearth burning and the bellies full.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The move sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and marked the end of one of the most successful independent runs in modern history.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The hope is that the new independent football regulator will shift the balance and implement rules unhampered by self-interest.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sovereign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sovereign. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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