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

Through its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia has invested billions into changing the landscape of sports, such as golf, boxing, esports and Formula One in recent years. —

Ben Church, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 The territory is widely regarded internationally as still belonging to Syria, though the Trump administration recognized it as sovereign Israeli territory in March 2019. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Noun

Both estates were established hundreds of years ago to provide income for both the sovereign and the heir to the throne, People magazine reported. —

Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 9 Nov. 2024 Both estates were established hundreds of years ago to provide income for the sovereign and the heir to the throne, respectively. —

Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sovereign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign

Adjective

Visual China Group | Getty Images China kept its main benchmark lending rates unchanged on Friday, as Beijing faces the challenge of bolstering economic growth while backstopping a weakening yuan.

Sonia Heng,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
The prefecture is in the southwestern part of Japan's main island of Honshu.

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024