Synonyms of lone

lone

adjective

ˈlōn 

1

as in only

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

the lone ripe apple in the entire bag

Synonyms & Similar Words

• only
• one
• sole
• solitary
• special
• single
• unique
• singular
• alone
• distinctive
• sui generis
• distinct
• solo
• one-off
• unaccompanied
• peerless
• unattended
• matchless
• inimitable
• incomparable
• unparalleled
• unequaled
• unsurpassable
• unrivaled
• separate
• individual
• unmatched
• unsurpassed
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• myriad
• mixed
• multifarious
• miscellaneous
• assorted
• varied
• manifold
• popular
• promiscuous
• prevalent
• heterogenous
• rampant
• perennial
• prevailing
• recurrent
• motley
• patchwork
• divers
• repeated

2

as in single

not being in the company of others

just one lone cow in the middle of the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

• single
• solitary
• lonely
• solo
• alone
• lonesome
• unaccompanied
• isolated
• deserted
• isolate
• secluded
• on one's own
• separated
• abandoned
• retired
• friendless
• withdrawn
• unattended
• unchaperoned
• divided
• cloistered
• insulated
• segregated
• sequestered
• detached
• separate
• hermetic
• forlorn
• disassociated
• remote
• unconnected
• unattached
• lorn
• neglected
• disjointed
• forsaken
• quarantined
• unlinked
• forgotten
• dissociated
• adrift
• fractionated
• disunited
• disconnected
• desolate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accompanied
• attended
• adjacent
• contiguous
• next-door
• neighboring
• adjoining
• coupled
• attached
• connected
• escorted
• linked
• chaperoned
• communicating

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

Recent Examples of lone

The lone goal allowed by goalkeeper Unai Simón was in the quarterfinal game against Belgium that snapped his World Cup record of 650 scoreless minutes. — Stephen Hawkins, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Only one England player from ’66 still walks among us, as 84-year-old Geoff Hurst is the lone surviving member of the team that beat West Germany at Wembley all those years ago. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

In the teaser, a lone cello gives way to swelling orchestration as Pascal moves between cavernous stages, recording booths, and the familiar haze of Los Angeles. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Brink is their lone lottery pick left from their disappointing past six seasons. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Phrases Containing lone

• lone ranger
• lone wolf