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

One of the ways that monks and nuns have dealt with this challenge is by cultivating a sense of inner silence and inner stillness through practices like meditation, prayer and sitting in solitude. — Kim Haines-eitzen, The Conversation, "The struggle to find silence in the ancient monastic world – and now," 10 June 2019 Introversion isn’t solipsism; solitude isn’t loneliness. — Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post, "The rise of the only child: How America is coming around to the idea of ‘just one’," 19 June 2019 The Baros Suites are designed for guests to enjoy the freedom of space as well as the inspiration of tropical tranquility and a chance to relax in solitude. — Lindsay Silberman, Town & Country, "The Best Room At...Baros Maldives," 4 May 2019 To be here on the back of an animal is to realize there are still opportunities for solitude in otherworldly terrain. — Candice Rainey, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Colorado Ranch Retreat That Gives You a Real Taste of Cowboy Life," 20 July 2018 Gemini season begins on Tuesday, May 21, lighting up your house of solitude. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What May’s Cancer Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Apr. 2019 With so many planets in your house of solitude and slumber at the beginning of May, take time to focus on restorative beauty practices. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What May's Gemini Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Apr. 2019 This new fireball exploded in relative solitude, burning up above the Bering Sea. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "A Meteor Hit Earth With the Force of a Nuclear Bomb and We Hardly Even Noticed," 18 Mar. 2019 The ferry offers a kind of solitude because of the small number of people’ A New York Ferry employee stands on the deck, waiting for commuters to board one morning in January. — Alexander Cohn, WSJ, "Diehard New York City Ferry Riders Go With the Flow, Even in the Frigid Winter," 28 Feb. 2019

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.