Sovereign — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈsä-v(ə-)rən/ sov·er·eign

Meaning & Definition of Sovereign

Sovereign (noun)

  1. one (such as a king or queen) possessing or held to possess supreme political power or sovereignty
  2. one that exercises supreme authority within a limited sphere
  3. an acknowledged leader in a sphere of activity, interest, or competition

Sovereign (adjective)

  1. having unlimited power or authority; also, relating to one who has such power or authority
  2. unlimited in extent, absolute
  3. having independent authority and the right to govern itself, independent

Sovereign (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in importance

    "the sovereign issue for voters is the inadequate performance of the local schools"

    similar: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, supreme
    related: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
    opposite: last, least
    near: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

  2. not being under the rule or control of another

    "a sovereign state whose domestic policies are its own business"

    similar: autonomous, free, freestanding, independent, self-governed, self-governing, self-ruling, separate
    related: freeborn, delivered, emancipated, freed, liberated, manumitted, redeemed, released, unconquered, unruled, unsupervised, empowered, enfranchised, democratic, republican
    opposite: dependent, nonautonomous, non-self-governing, subject, unfree
    near: bound, captive, conquered, enslaved, fettered, subdued, subjugated, inferior, subordinate, subservient

Sovereign (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority

    "after the current sovereign dies, the monarchy may be abolished"

    similar: autocrat, monarch, potentate, ruler
    related: coruler, Caesar, czar, emir, emperor, empress, kaiser, khan, khedive, king, lord, mikado, mogul, prince, queen, satrap, shah, sultan, suzerain, authoritarian, Big Brother, despot, dictator, führer, monocrat, overlord, paramount, tyrant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sovereign

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sovereign:

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, supreme, autonomous, free, freestanding, independent, self-governed, self-governing, self-ruling, separate, autocrat

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sovereign

Words with the opposite meaning of Sovereign:

last, least, dependent, nonautonomous, non-self-governing, subject, unfree

Related Words for Sovereign

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms of Sovereign

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary, bound, captive, conquered, enslaved, fettered, subdued, subjugated, subservient

Word Forms of Sovereign

Derived words: sovereignly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Sovereign

Middle English soverain, from Anglo-French soverein, from soverein, adjective see sovereign:2

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Sovereign

  • Topics: Law, Politics & Society

Words & Phrases Containing Sovereign

sovereign immunity, half sovereign

Frequently Asked Questions about Sovereign

What does "Sovereign" mean?

"Sovereign" means one (such as a king or queen) possessing or held to possess supreme political power or sovereignty. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: one (such as a king or queen) possessing or held to possess supreme political power or sovereignty. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Sovereign"?

Other words for "Sovereign" include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant and first. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sovereign" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sovereign"?

There are 115 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sovereign". Common alternatives include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost and grand.

What is the opposite of "Sovereign"?

Antonyms of "Sovereign" include last, least, dependent, nonautonomous, non-self-governing, subject and unfree. Near antonyms include inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant and minor.

How do you use "Sovereign" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sovereign" in a sentence: "the sovereign issue for voters is the inadequate performance of the local schools"; "a sovereign state whose domestic policies are its own business"; "after the current sovereign dies, the monarchy may be abolished".

Is "Sovereign" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sovereign" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Sovereign"?

"Sovereign" is pronounced /ˈsä-v(ə-)rən/ and divided into syllables as sov·er·eign.

What is the origin of the word "Sovereign"?

"Sovereign" comes from Middle English soverain, from Anglo-French soverein, from soverein, adjective see sovereign:2. First known use: 14th century.