solitude

noun

sol·i·tude | \ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd,

-ˌtyüd\

Definition of solitude

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

2 : a lonely place (such as a desert)

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about solitude

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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

In her book dedicated to the subject of solitude, Alone Time, travel writer Stephanie Rosenbloom mentions writers and artists who have been both for and against the practice of eating alone. — Dana Snitzky, Longreads, "This Month in Books: ‘What Used To Be Me Before the World Buried It’," 10 July 2018 Aside from the solitude, her biggest concern is bad weather. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "How an Extreme Endurance Athlete Trains to Trek 704 Miles From Antarctica to the South Pole," 11 Oct. 2018 The Capitol subsists in solitude on Sunday morning. Recuperating. — Chad Pergram, Fox News, "An empty US Capitol after McCain’s death is sobering reminder that the clock is ticking," 28 Aug. 2018 Magic ran to the spotlight and made the passes; Kareem retreated to the solitude and made the baskets. — Jack Mccallum, SI.com, "Go West, Big Man: The Logo on LeBron James and the Allure of Los Angeles," 11 July 2018 Jim Hayette of Hartland enjoys the solitude and beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Regional study will examine the impact of West Nile Virus on ruffed grouse," 23 May 2018 Of course, the job of forest fire lookout has long appealed to people seeking solitude. — CBS News, "Almanac: Forest fire lookout towers," 10 June 2018 The space is built around moments of solitude—benches overlook the pond, stairs lead to another meandering path that seem to be purpose built for meditative walks. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Traditional courtyard house gets a modern update," 5 July 2018 The Outer Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts This 40-mile band of untouched Atlantic coastline, which curves gently from Chatham to Provincetown, offers something rare in the densely populated Northeast: solitude. — The Editors, Outside Online, "North America's 16 Best, Most Overlooked Beaches," 1 June 2018

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