lonesome

adjective

lone·some | \ ˈlōn(t)-səm

Definition of lonesome

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : sad or dejected as a result of lack of companionship or separation from others don't be lonesome while we are gone

b : causing a feeling of loneliness the empty house seemed so lonesome

2a : remote, unfrequented look down, look down that lonesome road— Gene Austin

b : lone

lonesome

noun

Definition of lonesome (Entry 2 of 2)

: self sat all by his lonesome

Other Words from lonesome Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about lonesome

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Synonyms for lonesome

Synonyms: Adjective

desolate, forlorn, lonely, lorn

Choose the Right Synonym for lonesome

Adjective

alone, solitary, lonely, lonesome, lone, forlorn, desolate mean isolated from others. alone stresses the objective fact of being by oneself with slighter notion of emotional involvement than most of the remaining terms. everyone needs to be alone sometimes solitary may indicate isolation as a chosen course glorying in the calm of her solitary life but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss. left solitary by the death of his wife lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship. felt lonely and forsaken lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy. an only child often leads a lonesome life lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone. a lone robin pecking at the lawn forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear. a forlorn lost child desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement. desolate after her brother's death

Examples of lonesome in a Sentence

Adjective

He was lonesome for his family. The empty house seemed so lonesome.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Kate's second event for the day was a truly solo, all-by-her-lonesome visit to the Foundling Museum in London, where she was announced as a new patron. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Copied Charlotte's Signature Wave at Her Last Engagement," 20 Mar. 2019 In her debut novel, veteran essayist Martha Woodroof turns her attention to a lonesome literature professor charged with the care of his reclusive mother-in-law. — Adrienne Westenfeld, Town & Country, "The Ultimate Preppy College Reading List," 3 Oct. 2014 Now Longjiang-2 orbits the moon by its lonesome, testing out future radio astronomy and interferometry techniques (studying what happens when light, radio, electromagnetic, and various other types of waves are met with interference). — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Chinese Satellite Nabs Stunning Moon-Earth Shot," 6 Feb. 2019 During the beta testing phase this May, hardly anyone was approved to be a beta tester, so the worlds of Maple were lonesome. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "Now that the crowd is here, the fun can begin in MapleStory 2," 4 Nov. 2018 On the bases: JaCoby Jones created a run nearly by his lonesome. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Michael Fulmer stumbles as Detroit Tigers lose to Cincinnati Reds, 5-3," 20 June 2018 Set in the Iranian ghost town of Bad City, a lonesome vampire that stalks the local residents. — Ashley Nkadi, Teen Vogue, "15 Scary Movies Directed by Women Perfect for Halloween," 30 Oct. 2018 Left to her lonesome, the same feelings of uncertainty and unknowing that so distressed her at home become oddly liberating, bolstering her quiet curiosity and spirit of adventure. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "5 Solo Trips Inspired by Female Travelers in Film," 7 Aug. 2018 The club’s stark landscapes and portraits of lonesome cowboys are a source of pride for Ms. Davis, a Tucson native, who like her husband, Brett, is a flesh-and-blood ambassador for modern Western life. — Joe Drape, New York Times, "On an Arizona Road Trip, Miles of Family Firsts," 12 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Just stick to the one lonesome individually wrapped container of corn. — Patrick Varone, Harper's BAZAAR, "How To Throw a Chic Couch Party," 4 Apr. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lonesome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.