Synonyms for Sigma: 20+ Alternatives With Meanings, Examples, and Usage

Quick Answer

The best synonyms for sigma depend on what sigma means in your sentence. For the modern slang meaning, close alternatives include independent, self-reliant, individualistic, nonconformist, self-directed, and unconventional. When sigma means “cool” or “impressive,” words such as excellent, impressive, admirable, or cool may fit better. These are contextual alternatives, not exact synonyms.

Introduction

Have you seen someone write “He is sigma” or “That was a sigma move” and wondered what they could say instead?

The answer is not as simple as replacing sigma with one word. Modern internet slang has given sigma several related meanings. It can describe someone who seems independent and self-reliant. It can praise an action as cool or impressive. It can also appear in humorous expressions where the word is mainly a meme.

The older meaning is completely different. Sigma is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet, written as Σ, σ, or ς. It also has technical uses in mathematics and science.

That means the best synonyms for sigma depend on context, tone, and meaning.

If you mean independence, use independent. If you mean someone who can manage without help, choose self-reliant. If you mean someone who rejects ordinary conventions, nonconformists may work. If sigma simply means something is great, excellent or impressive may be more natural.

This guide helps you choose the right word instead of treating every related word as an exact synonym.

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What Does Sigma Mean?

Sigma has several meanings.

1. Sigma as a Greek letter

Sigma is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet. Its uppercase form is Σ, and its lowercase forms are σ and ς.

2. Sigma in mathematics

The uppercase symbol Σ is commonly used to indicate summation.

3. Sigma in statistics and science

The lowercase σ can represent different quantities depending on the field. In statistics, it is commonly associated with standard deviation.

4. Sigma in internet slang

In modern online slang, sigma can describe someone portrayed as independent, self-reliant, successful, or outside conventional social hierarchies. Collins now records this informal sense.

Dictionary.com explains sigma male as a slang label for a highly independent and self-reliant man, also associated with the phrase lone wolf.

5. Sigma as modern meme language

Online usage has expanded further. A sentence such as “That was sigma” can simply mean cool, impressive, or admirable, while “What the sigma?” can be a humorous meme expression rather than a literal personality description.

Remember: You cannot choose a good synonym until you know which meaning of sigma the speaker intends.

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Best Synonyms for Sigma at a Glance

Synonym	Best Meaning	Register	Approx. CEFR	Frequency
Independent	Makes own choices	Neutral	B1	Very common
Self-reliant	Manages without help	Neutral	B2	Common
Individualistic	Values personal choice	Formal/Neutral	C1	Common
Nonconformist	Does not follow norms	Neutral/Formal	C1	Common
Self-directed	Controls own goals/actions	Academic/Business	B2	Common
Unconventional	Different from usual	Neutral/Formal	B2	Common
Self-assured	Confident in oneself	Neutral/Formal	B2	Common
Confident	Believes in own ability	Neutral	B1	Very common
Maverick	Independent rule-breaker	Informal/Neutral	C1	Common
Lone wolf	Prefers operating alone	Informal	B2	Common
Free spirit	Values freedom	Informal	B2	Common
Autonomous	Acts independently	Formal	C1	Common
Driven	Strongly motivated	Business/Neutral	B2	Very common
Ambitious	Wants achievement	Neutral	B2	Very common
Innovative	Creates new ideas	Academic/Business	B2	Common
Rebellious	Resists rules	Neutral/Informal	B2	Common
Outsider	Outside a group	Neutral	B1	Very common
Solitary	Alone or isolated	Formal/Literary	C1	Common
Cool	Informally impressive	Informal	A2	Very common
Excellent	Extremely good	Neutral/Formal	B1	Very common
Impressive	Causes admiration	Neutral	B1	Very common

Important: The table contains contextual alternatives and related words, not 21 perfect dictionary synonyms.

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The Closest Synonyms for Sigma

1. Independent

Meaning: Able to make your own choices without depending heavily on others.

CEFR: B1
Register: Neutral
Frequency: Very common
Connotation: Usually positive

Examples:

1. Maya is independent and makes her own decisions.
2. The student became more independent after moving away from home.

Best used when: Sigma means someone who follows their own path.

Common collocations:

• independent person
• independent thinker
• independent lifestyle

When not to use it: Do not use “independent ” when sigma only means “cool.”

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2. Self-Reliant

Meaning: Able to solve problems and manage life without much help.

CEFR: B2
Register: Neutral
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Positive

Examples:

1. His parents taught him to become self-reliant.
2. A self-reliant worker can handle many problems alone.

Best used when: You want to stress practical independence.

Common collocations:

• self-reliant person
• highly self-reliant
• become self-reliant

When not to use it: It does not automatically mean confident, fashionable, or impressive.

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3. Individualistic

Meaning: More interested in personal choices and ideas than following the group.

CEFR: C1
Register: Formal/Neutral
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Neutral to positive

Examples:

1. Her individualistic style makes her easy to recognize.
2. He has an individualistic approach to his career.

Best used when: Sigma refers to strong personal identity.

Common collocations:

• individualistic personality
• individualistic style
• individualistic approach

When not to use it: Do not use it simply because someone prefers working alone.

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4. Nonconformist

Meaning: A person who does not follow accepted customs or expectations.

CEFR: C1
Register: Neutral/Formal
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Often positive, but context can change it

Examples:

1. The nonconformist artist rejected traditional styles.
2. Her nonconformist attitude made her stand out.

Best used when: Sigma means someone who does not follow the crowd.

Common collocations:

• nonconformist thinker
• nonconformist attitude
• nonconformist artist

When not to use it: Independence alone does not make someone a nonconformist.

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5. Self-Directed

Meaning: Able to decide your own goals and control how you work toward them.

CEFR: B2
Register: Academic/Business
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Positive

Examples:

1. She is a self-directed learner.
2. The company looks for self-directed employees.

Best used when: You need a professional version of the “sigma mindset” idea.

Common collocations:

• self-directed learning
• self-directed employee
• self-directed study

When not to use it: It sounds unnatural as a casual replacement for “sigma” in a meme.

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6. Unconventional

Meaning: Different from what people normally expect.

CEFR: B2
Register: Neutral/Formal
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Often positive

Examples:

1. She found an unconventional solution to the problem.
2. His unconventional career path attracted attention.

Best used when: Sigma refers to unusual choices or behavior.

Common collocations:

• unconventional approach
• unconventional idea
• unconventional lifestyle

When not to use it: Something can be unconventional without being independent.

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7. Self-Assured

Meaning: Confidence in your abilities and decisions.

CEFR: B2
Register: Neutral/Formal
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Positive

Examples:

1. She sounded self-assured during the interview.
2. His self-assured manner impressed the team.

Best used when: Sigma describes calm confidence.

Common collocations:

• self-assured person
• self-assured manner
• calm and self-assured

When not to use it: Confidence alone does not imply a lone-wolf personality.

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8. Confident

Meaning: Believing that you can succeed or handle something.

CEFR: B1
Register: Neutral
Frequency: Very common
Connotation: Positive

Examples:

1. He felt confident before the presentation.
2. She is confident enough to express her opinion.

Best used when: You want a simple everyday alternative.

Common collocations:

• confident person
• feel confident
• confident decision

When not to use it: Use independence instead when independence is the main idea.

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9. Maverick

Meaning: Someone who thinks or behaves independently and does not follow established methods.

CEFR: C1
Register: Informal/Neutral
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Often admiring

Examples:

1. The maverick designer ignored traditional methods.
2. He became known as a maverick in the industry.

Best used when: Someone combines independence with unusual methods.

Common collocations:

• business maverick
• maverick thinker
• political maverick

When not to use it: A quiet independent person is not automatically a maverick.

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10. Lone Wolf

Meaning: Someone who prefers to work or live independently.

CEFR: B2
Register: Informal
Frequency: Common
Connotation: Can be positive or negative

Examples:

1. He is a lone wolf who prefers working by himself.
2. The lone wolf finished the project without a team.

Best used when: The slang meaning strongly emphasizes operating alone.

Common collocations:

• lone wolf personality
• lone wolf approach
• social lone wolf

When not to use it: Avoid it when you simply mean “confident.”

Dictionary.com specifically identifies lone wolf as another term associated with sigma male.

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More Related Alternatives

Free Spirit

A free spirit values freedom and dislikes strict expectations.

Example:

She is a free spirit who loves traveling alone.

Best for: Freedom and individuality.

Not exact because: It does not necessarily imply ambition or self-reliance.

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Autonomous

Autonomous means able to act independently.

Example:

The team became more autonomous after training.

Best for: Academic, business, and professional writing.

Not exact because: It sounds technical rather than slangy.

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Driven

A driven person is strongly motivated to achieve a goal.

Example:

He is a driven entrepreneur with clear goals.

Best for: The achievement side of sigma.

Not exact because: A driven person may be highly social.

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Ambitious

Ambitious describes someone who wants to achieve important goals.

Example:

She has an ambitious plan for her business.

Best for: Goal-focused behavior.

Not exactly because: Ambition does not mean independence.

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Innovative

Innovative means introducing new ideas or methods.

Example:

The company developed an innovative solution.

Best for: Sigma as “original thinker.”

Not exact because: Innovation describes ideas, not necessarily personality.

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Rebellious

Rebellious describes someone who resists authority or rules.

Example:

His rebellious behavior caused problems at school.

Best for: Active resistance.

Not exactly because: Independent people do not necessarily rebel.

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Outsider

An outsider is someone who is outside a particular group.

Example:

As an outsider, she noticed problems that others ignored.

Best for: The social outsider aspect.

Not exact because: An outsider may feel excluded rather than intentionally independent.

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Solitary

Solitary means alone or involving little company.

Example:

He enjoys solitary walks in the evening.

Best for: Being alone.

Not exact because: It can suggest isolation rather than confident independence.

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Cool

Cool is a common informal word for something impressive, fashionable, or admirable.

Example:

That was a cool move.

Best for: Sigma when it simply means “impressive.”

Not exact because: It says nothing about independence.

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Excellent

Excellent means extremely good.

Example:

She gave an excellent presentation.

Best for: Sigma when it means “very good.”

Not exactly because: It has no personality meaning.

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Impressive

Impressive describes something that causes admiration.

Example:

That was an impressive achievement.

Best for: Praising an action or result.

Not exactly because: It does not mean independent.

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Strongest, Strong, and Related Alternatives

Strongest contextual alternatives

When sigma describes an independent personality, these are the most useful choices:

• Independent
• Self-reliant
• Individualistic
• Nonconformist
• Self-directed

Strong alternatives

These work when only one part of the meaning is intended:

• Self-assured
• Confident
• Unconventional
• Maverick
• Lone wolf
• Autonomous

Related words

These overlap with particular uses but should not be treated as exact synonyms:

• Driven
• Ambitious
• Innovative
• Rebellious
• Outsider
• Solitary
• Cool
• Excellent
• Impressive
• Free spirit

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Choose the Right Synonym for Sigma

This is the most important part for ESL learners.

What “sigma” means	Better standard-English choice
Makes own decisions	Independent
Manages without help	Self-reliant
Values personal identity	Individualistic
Rejects social conventions	Nonconformist
Controls own work	Self-directed
Thinks differently	Unconventional
Acts with confidence	Self-assured
Has strong belief in ability	Confident
Challenges established methods	Maverick
Prefers operating alone	Lone wolf
Values freedom	Free spirit
Works independently in a professional setting	Autonomous
Has strong motivation	Driven
Wants achievement	Ambitious
Does something very well	Excellent
Does something admirable	Impressive
Means “cool” in casual speech	Cool

A simple test

Ask yourself:

“What exactly do I mean by sigma here?”

If the answer is:

• “He does things his own way.” → independent
• “He does not need help.” → self-reliant
• “He rejects normal expectations.” → nonconformist
• “His action was amazing.” → impressive
• “His action was cool.” → cool
• “He works alone.” → lone wolf

This approach gives you a much more accurate synonym than simply replacing sigma with the first word you find.

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Sigma vs Commonly Confused Words

Word	Difference	Example
Sigma	Internet slang or a Greek/technical term	That was a sigma move.
Independent	Makes choices without depending on others	She is independent.
Introvert	Often prefers lower social stimulation	He is an introvert.
Alpha	Internet archetype usually linked with dominance or leadership	The meme describes him as alpha.
Nonconformist	Does not follow accepted conventions	She is a nonconformist.

Sigma vs Introvert

These are not synonyms.

An introvert may prefer quiet settings, but an introvert can still enjoy teamwork, friendships, and social events. Sigma slang focuses more on independence and operating outside conventional social structures.

Sigma vs Alpha

These labels come from informal internet and masculinity discourse. Sigma is generally presented as an independent outsider, while alpha is associated with dominance or leadership. They should not be treated as scientific personality categories. Dictionary.com documents this online hierarchy and also notes that the labels have been used ironically.

Sigma vs Independent

Independent is usually the safest standard-English replacement when sigma means “someone who follows their own path.”

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Common Mistakes

Common Mistake Box

Mistake 1

“Sigma always means independent.”

Correction: Sigma has multiple meanings.

Why: It can refer to a Greek letter, mathematical symbol, technical term, or internet slang.

Mistake 2

“Sigma and introvert mean the same thing.”

Correction: They describe different ideas.

Why: Introversion concerns social preference. Sigma slang focuses more on independence and social positioning.

Mistake 3

“Sigma and alpha are synonyms.”

Correction: They are different internet archetypes.

Why: Sigma is generally associated with independence, while alpha is associated with dominance or leadership in this slang framework.

Mistake 4

“Every word related to sigma can replace it.”

Correction: Choose based on context.

Why: Ambitious describes goals, confident describes self-belief, and solitary describes being alone. None automatically means sigma.

Mistake 5

Using sigma in a formal essay

Instead of:

The character is very sigma.

Write:

The character is highly independent and self-reliant.

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Grammar and Sentence Patterns

In standard English, sigma is a noun.

Sigma is the 18th Greek letter.

In informal internet language, speakers may use it in adjective-like constructions:

That was sigma.

He is sigma.

That is a sigma move.

These forms belong to casual online language. They should not be copied into formal academic writing unless you are discussing the slang itself.

Common patterns

sigma + noun

• sigma male
• sigma mindset
• sigma move
• sigma energy
• sigma behavior

be + sigma

• He is sigma.
• That was sigma.

what the sigma

This is an informal meme expression and does not normally require a literal definition of sigma.

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Word Origin and First Known Use

The original word sigma is much older than its internet meaning.

Collins traces the English noun to 1600–10, from Latin and Greek sígma. It identifies the Greek origin as Semitic in origin and related to Hebrew samekh.

Sigma is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet and corresponds to the S sound. The uppercase and lowercase forms are Σ, σ, and final ς.

The slang expression sigma male is much newer. Dictionary.com credits Theodore Robert Beale, known as Vox Day, with using the term as early as January 2010. The term remained relatively niche before receiving wider attention online in the early 2020s.

This distinction matters:

Greek sigma → centuries-old word

Sigma male → modern internet slang

Sigma as a broad meme compliment → newer online development

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American vs British English

There is no important spelling difference:

Feature	American English	British English
Spelling	sigma	sigma
IPA	/ˈsɪɡ.mə/	/ˈsɪɡ.mə/
Slang spelling	sigma	sigma
Greek forms	Σ, σ, ς	Σ, σ, ς

Cambridge gives the same pronunciation for British and American English: /ˈsɪɡ.mə/.

The major difference is not regional. It is registered. The slang meaning is informal in both varieties.

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Real World Collocations

Native and online usage commonly places sigma in expressions such as:

• sigma male
• sigma mindset
• sigma move
• sigma energy
• sigma behavior
• sigma grindset
• sigma personality

These expressions show that modern slang often treats sigma as a flexible modifier.

For standard English, use collocations such as:

• independent thinker
• self-reliant person
• unconventional approach
• nonconformist attitude
• self-directed learner
• confident individual
• ambitious professional

These combinations are much safer for essays, professional writing, and educational content.

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Where NOT to Use Sigma

Avoid replacing precise standard vocabulary with sigma in:

• academic essays
• school assignments
• formal reports
• professional emails
• research papers
• formal applications
• technical explanations

For example:

❌ The employee has a sigma attitude.

Better:

✅ The employee is highly independent and self-directed.

However, if your article is explaining internet slang, then sigma is exactly the right word to use because it is the topic.

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Writing Tips

Essays

Use precise vocabulary:

The protagonist is independent and self-reliant.

Professional communication

Use:

She is a self-directed employee.

rather than:

She is sigma.

Blog writing

If your subject is internet culture, explain the slang directly:

Online, “sigma” can describe someone who appears independent and unconcerned with social approval.

Social media

Informal words are natural:

That was a cool move.

That was seriously impressive.

Everyday conversation

Choose the simplest accurate word:

• independent
• confident
• impressive
• cool
• self-reliant

Writing Tip: Good vocabulary is not about using the most unusual word. It is about choosing the most accurate word.

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Related Vocabulary

Words Related to Independence

• autonomous
• self-sufficient
• self-reliant
• independent
• self-directed
• individualistic

Words Related to Confidence

• confident
• self-assured
• assured
• bold
• composed

Words Related to Nonconformity

• unconventional
• nonconformist
• maverick
• rebellious
• unconventional

Words Related to Praise

• cool
• excellent
• impressive
• admirable
• outstanding

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Antonyms and Contrasting Words

There is no single opposite of sigma, but depending on the intended meaning, useful contrasts include:

• dependent
• conformist
• follower
• submissive
• approval-seeking
• socially dependent

For example:

Independent ↔ dependent

Nonconformist ↔ conformist

Self-reliant ↔ dependent

This is more accurate than claiming that one word is the universal antonym of sigma.

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FAQ: Synonyms for Sigma

What is the best synonym for sigma?

The best synonym depends on context. If sigma describes an independent person, independent is usually the clearest standard-English alternative. Self-reliant, individualistic, nonconformist, and self-directed can also work when their specific meanings fit.

What are some synonyms for sigma male?

Useful contextual alternatives include independent man, self-reliant person, lone wolf, individualist, nonconformist, and maverick. None is a perfect synonym because “sigma male” is an informal internet label with its own cultural associations.

Is independent a synonym for sigma?

Independent is a close contextual alternative when sigma describes someone who follows their own path. However, sigma can also mean cool, excellent, or simply function as a meme expression, so independent does not fit every use.

Is introvert a synonym for sigma?

No. An introvert usually refers to a person who prefers lower social stimulation, while sigma slang emphasizes independence or operating outside conventional social structures. Someone can be both an introvert and independent, but the words have different meanings.

Is sigma the same as alpha?

No. In internet slang, the two labels generally describe different archetypes. Alpha is commonly associated with dominance or leadership, while sigma is associated with independence and operating outside the usual hierarchy. These are informal internet concepts rather than established scientific personality types.

Can sigma mean cool?

Yes. Modern online usage can use sigma as a general compliment meaning cool, excellent, impressive, or admirable. The exact meaning depends on the sentence and the speaker’s tone. Collins also records an informal sigma sense connected with a high-achieving person who pursues personal goals outside a social hierarchy.

What does “what the sigma” mean?

“What the sigma?” is usually a humorous internet expression. It often works like a playful version of “What?” or “What is going on?” In many contexts, it is not asking for a literal definition of sigma.

Is sigma a formal English word?

Yes, sigma is a formal dictionary word when it refers to the Greek letter or its technical uses. Its internet-slang meanings are informal. Cambridge lists sigma as a noun connected with language, mathematics, and science.

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Mini Practice

Fill in the Blank

Choose independent, self-reliant, nonconformist, impressive.

1. She makes her own decisions and is very ______.
2. He can solve most problems without help, so he is ______.
3. The artist refuses to follow traditional styles and is a ______.
4. The athlete’s performance was extremely ______.

Answers:

1. independent
2. self-reliant
3. nonconformist
4. impressive

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Rewrite the Sentence

Replace sigma with a more precise standard-English word.

1. He has a sigma personality.
2. That was a sigma move.
3. She is sigma because she works independently.

Possible answers

1. He has a self-reliant personality.
2. That was an impressive move.
3. She is independent because she works independently.

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Matching Exercise

Match each word with the correct meaning.

Word	Meaning
1. Independent	A. Extremely good
2. Self-reliant	B. Makes personal choices
3. Nonconformist	C. Manages without much help
4. Excellent	D. Does not follow accepted conventions

Answer: 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A

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Final Takeaway

The biggest lesson about synonyms for sigma is that there is no single replacement that works everywhere. When sigma means independent, use independent. When it means being able to manage alone, choose to be self reliant. When it means different from social norms, nonconformist or unconventional may fit. When it simply praises something as cool or impressive, choose cool, excellent, or impressive.

Learning this difference makes your English more precise. Instead of memorizing a long list of questionable synonyms, identify the exact meaning first and then choose the word that communicates it naturally.

Trusted References

• Cambridge Dictionary: Sigma
• Cambridge Dictionary: Sigma Pronunciation
• Collins Dictionary: Sigma
• Dictionary.com: Sigma
• Dictionary.com: Sigma Male