Thesaurus

alone

Q: How is the word 'alone' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of alone are desolate , forlorn , lonely , lonesome , lone , and solitary . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'desolate' be used instead of 'alone'?

The meanings of desolate and alone largely overlap; however, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement. // desolate after her brother's death

Q: When is 'forlorn' a more appropriate choice than 'alone'?

In some situations, the words forlorn and alone are roughly equivalent. However, forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear. // a forlorn lost child

Q: How does the word 'lone' relate to other synonyms for 'alone'?

Lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone . // a lone robin pecking at the lawn

Q: How do 'lonely' and 'solitary' relate to one another, in the sense of 'alone'?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship. // felt lonely and forsaken

Q: In what contexts can 'lonesome' take the place of 'alone'?

The words lonesome and alone can be used in similar contexts, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy. // an only child often leads a lonesome life

Q: When could 'solitary' be used to replace 'alone'?

While in some cases nearly identical to alone , solitary may indicate isolation as a chosen course, but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss. // glorying in the calm of her solitary life // left solitary by the death of his wife

adverb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of alone

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 without aid or support

completely new to the big city, she nevertheless managed to find her way home alone

Synonyms for alone

Words Related to alone

solo

Phrases Synonymous with alone

Near Antonyms for alone

en masse

2 for nothing other than

would willingly play professional baseball for the sheer enjoyment alone

Synonyms for alone

Words Related to alone

Near Antonyms for alone

alone

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of alone (Entry 2 of 2)

1 not being in the company of others

no one realized the boy was alone in his room so they all left for the movies without him

Synonyms for alone

Words Related to alone

Phrases Synonymous with alone

on one's own

Near Antonyms for alone

Antonyms for alone

accompanied

2 being the one or ones of a class with no other members

he is alone among the actors of his generation in his exceptional ability to play both comedic and serious parts

Synonyms for alone

Words Related to alone

nonce

Near Antonyms for alone

Frequently Asked Questions About alone

How is the word alone distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of alone are desolate, forlorn, lonely, lonesome, lone, and solitary. While all these words 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

When can desolate be used instead of alone?

The meanings of desolate and alone largely overlap; however, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is forlorn a more appropriate choice than alone?

In some situations, the words forlorn and alone are roughly equivalent. However, forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear.

a forlorn lost child

How does the word lone relate to other synonyms for alone?

Lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone.

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

How do lonely and solitary relate to one another, in the sense of alone?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

In what contexts can lonesome take the place of alone?

The words lonesome and alone can be used in similar contexts, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When could solitary be used to replace alone?

While in some cases nearly identical to alone, solitary may indicate isolation as a chosen course, but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss.

glorying in the calm of her solitary life

left solitary by the death of his wife