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

Relevance

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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of sovereign

Adjective

Last year, BlackRock's head of bitcoin and crypto said sovereign wealth funds are showing interest in bitcoin alongside wild speculation that Qatar's sovereign wealth fund was exploring buying bitcoin. —

Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Saudi sovereign wealth funds have taken large stakes in American businesses while also looking at sports. —

Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

Princess Beatrice Suddenly Changes Christmas Plans Due to Pregnancy The Christmas broadcast is one of the British sovereign's most famous holiday traditions, which King George V kicked off in 1932 and Queen Elizabeth televised for the first time in 1957. —

Janine Henni, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Downgrade makes borrowing harder for the sovereign. —

Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sovereign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sovereign

Adjective

Here are some highlights from the discussion: Drake became the show’s main character in absentia.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
There will be new actors playing the series’ main characters, but no one has been cast yet.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025