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

• aloneness
• insulation
• isolation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness

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

Getting out of solitude and isolation can be easier said than done. —John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025

Species that lived there were unique, shaped by the constraints and freedoms of geographic solitude. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Wright counters all this clamoring humanity with moments of solitude that shine ever greater from the contrast. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025

Experiencing the West’s quiet solitude and wild, welcoming way has historically involved a visit to western states like Montana or Wyoming—but one New York ranch will change that. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025

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