SOVEREIGN Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sovereign 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsä-v(ə-)rən

variants also sovran

Definition of sovereign next

as in main

coming before all others in importance the sovereign issue for voters is the inadequate performance of the local schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in autonomous

not being under the rule or control of another a sovereign state whose domestic policies are its own business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sovereign

2 of 2

noun

ˈsä-v(ə-)rən

variants also sovran

as in ruler

one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority after the current sovereign dies, the monarchy may be abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of sovereign

Adjective

The unexpected move is intended to slow a wave of buying of sovereign debt, which has helped drive down interest rates, at the expense of riskier assets such as real estate and stock. —

Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 In industrialized economies, growth (as demonstrated in GDP) has supported the alleviation of poverty, the trajectory of innovation, and the sovereign power of nation-states. —

Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

Monarchists expect the visit will strengthen Australians’ connection to their sovereign. —

Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 The broadcasts have been recorded in advance since 1960 and are shared as a way for the sovereign to reflect on current events, the meaning of Christmas and the landscape of the world's stage. —

Janine Henni, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sovereign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign

Adjective

Drivers should try to travel during the day and avoid traveling alone, inform others of your schedule, and stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
The concert at the country’s main public square settled a pending debt with his Mexican fans, after postponing a presentation originally scheduled for September due to a domestic accident that resulted in five fractured ribs and forced him to suspend a series of shows in Mexico and Colombia.

— Natalia Cano, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025