Definition of SOVEREIGNTY (original) (raw)
1
b
: freedom from external control : autonomy
c
: controlling influence
2
: one that is sovereign
especially : an autonomous state
3
obsolete : supreme excellence or an example of it
Synonyms
Examples of sovereignty in a Sentence
Nor was the sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian race recognized at the time Hawaii became a state. —
Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, 18 July 2005 Cesaire's wrenching chant of self-affirmation announced a new era of intellectual and cultural sovereignty for black writers in French. —Lila Azam Zanganeh, New York Times Book Review, 12 June 2005 The position plunged him into a supremely complicated religious and political game. Throughout Europe the old order of divinely sanctioned kingdoms was battling models of popular sovereignty and citizenship inspired by the Enlightenment, the French Revolution and the adolescent U.S. —David Van Biema, Time, 4 Sept. 2000
upon leaving home she felt that she had achieved sovereignty for the first time in her life as parts of the same sovereignty, the states should not enact laws intended to harm one another economically
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Still, both advisers said that the commission has the power to protect Europe’s sovereignty, and to force the platforms to be more transparent. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025 Colombia’s action came as numerous countries in Latin America are attempting to figure out how to deal with the week-old Trump administration, pledging cooperation on some immigration issues but also seeking fair treatment and respect for their own national sovereignty. —Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 Self-identification and sincere belief of Indian ancestry, while meaningful on a personal level, cannot mean tribal nationhood and sovereignty. —Alana Wise, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025 The blueprint suggested that America’s exit from international climate accords would strengthen national sovereignty and economic competitiveness by removing restrictions on industries. —Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sovereignty 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereinté, from soverein — see sovereign entry 2
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Time Traveler
The first known use of sovereignty was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near sovereignty
Cite this Entry
“Sovereignty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sovereignty. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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