Synonym Chooser

How is the word lone distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lone are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonely, lonesome, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone.

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

When would alone be a good substitute for lone?

The words alone and lone can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use desolate instead of lone?

The meanings of desolate and lone 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 lone?

Although the words forlorn and lone have much in common, forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear.

a forlorn lost child

How are the words lonely and solitary related as synonyms of lone?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When might lonesome be a better fit than lone?

The synonyms lonesome and lone are sometimes interchangeable, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When can solitary be used instead of lone?

In some situations, the words solitary and lone are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lone Pro tip on that, in case something like this ever goes down again: Find the lone brass section, and then look for a spot to settle partway between that and the next nearest attraction. Chris Willman, Variety, 29 June 2025 The Supreme Court's decision to limit universal injunctions, which gives lone judges the power to limit executive orders, is seen as a victory for the Trump administration, which will now enjoy a freer hand to implement policy. Scott Neuman, NPR, 27 June 2025 The Saudis have also won their lone Gold Cup match so far, so this is for top spot in the group. Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The lone returnee who played regularly for last season’s NCAA Tournament team is junior guard Aidan Burke. Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lone
Adjective
  • Edgecombe, 19, averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for Baylor in his only collegiate season.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 June 2025
  • But for Mårtensson and team captain Martin Kaymer, his resume wasn’t the only deciding factor in choosing to add him to the Cleeks roster.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Yankee Stadium crowd booed loudly as Gary Sanchez cruised into first base with a single into shallow center field.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (if time) to prevent clumping.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2025
  • Set against a twilight backdrop, a solitary cute ghost appears almost out of place, an image both understated and unresolved.
    Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The sole reference to God in the Declaration emphasizes empiricism over religiosity.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Effective immediately, Lang is now the site’s sole owner, publisher and editor.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • On social media, there’s a certain kind of influencer who specializes in attracting lonely, unhappy people by brandishing mantras and principles that will allegedly lead them to more fulfilled and successful lives.
    Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • Over in her Hawaiian home land, 19-year-old Nani (Tia Carrere) has been trying her best to fend for herself and her lonely little sister Lilo (beautifully voiced by young Daveigh Chase) in the absence of their parents.
    Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Musk, who served in a special White House post that ended May 30, became sharply critical of Trump’s package of legislative priorities that congressional agencies have said will raise deficit spending and the national debt.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Protective and special coatings like anti-glare on TV screens and computer monitors can be worn down and damaged.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, on solo records like Eat Pray Thug and Swet Shop Boys’ 2016 LP Cashmere, Suri has used his platform as a critic’s darling to highlight local issues.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • More importantly, her fans have played a vital role in her solo success.
    Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lone. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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