solitude

noun

sol·​i·​tude ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : seclusion

2

: a lonely place (such as a desert)

Synonyms of solitude

• privacy
• isolation
• loneliness
• aloneness

Choose the Right Synonym for solitude

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of solitude in a Sentence

She wished to work on her novel in solitude.

He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the woods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such arrangements are quite normal in this part of Patagonia, where gauchos often live in solitude until a very old age. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

If the first season is about solitude, the second is about the end of love — what happens when two people sleep separately, still care for one another, but are no longer in love. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Written in the solitude of endless tour nights following the release of Something, his fourth album exists in the liminal space between pop stardom and the quiet solitude of a hotel room on tour. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

The Libra moon encourages rest, solitude and a little emotional housekeeping before your birthday season kicks off later this month. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin solitudin-, solitudo, from solus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

Kids Definition

solitude

noun

sol·​i·​tude ˈsäl-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

1

: the quality or state of being alone or far-off from society : seclusion, loneliness

2

: a lonely place (as a desert)

Etymology

Middle English solitude "the state of being alone," from early French solitude (same meaning), from Latin solitudin-, solitudo (same meaning), from solus "alone" — related to desolate, sole entry 4, solo