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 The pair welcomed their lone child together in May 2021 before calling it quits two months later. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025 San Jose’s lone goal came when defender Daniel Munie scored unassisted in the 53rd minute, pulling the Quakes within 2-1. Jon Becker, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025 Davidson’s lone bright moment came when senior quarterback Coulter Cleland found receiver Brody Reina for 55 yards after Georgetown defenders jumped the route but whiffed on the tackle. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025 The lone loss came to Cathedral Catholic in last season’s Open Division semifinals. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lone
Adjective
  • The only exception was the 2019 AFCON quarter-final, when Troost-Ekong struck an 89th-minute winner for the Super Eagles.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As of this writing, Williams was 10-of-11 with 86 passing yards and 30 rushing yards, including his team's only touchdown.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Those numbers are rough estimates, because they are based on a single observation.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At a 12% marginal tax rate, for example, the $6,000 deduction for a single taxpayer who is 65 or older would result in $720 in tax savings.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Writing is a solitary, sedentary, indoor activity while tennis is a social (certainly at those Quebec Street courts), active, outdoor pursuit.
    Thomas Swick September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal is the sole player on this list who represents a team competing in this season’s competition.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Justin now will train Roman, Milo, and Billie in preparation for the Family Wizard Competition to determine who will emerge as the sole magic wielder of the new generation in the household — while a new evil threat materializes.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tour can be lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people.
    Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But without the necessary business acumen in their teams, these technology leaders fight lonely battles.
    Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The winner of next year’s special election will keep the seat until the end of Rubio’s original term in 2028.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of offering multiple services or products, successful solo entrepreneurs focus on one specific, high-value offer.
    Matteo Pittaluga, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Every birthday trip has reminded me that solo travel is about more than being alone.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lone. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lone

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