1
2
as in lonesome
sad from lack of companionship or separation from others I was lonely when I first got to Los Angeles, but I soon made friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lonely distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lonely are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonesome, lone, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When is it sensible to use alone instead of lonely?

In some situations, the words alone and lonely are roughly equivalent. However, 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 could desolate be used to replace lonely?

The synonyms desolate and lonely are sometimes interchangeable, but desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

Where would forlorn be a reasonable alternative to lonely?

The words forlorn and lonely are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lonely?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

In what contexts can lonesome take the place of lonely?

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

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When would solitary be a good substitute for lonely?

While the synonyms solitary and lonely are close in meaning, 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 lonely Although Dayle opens up about feeling lonely and unable to confide in her teammates, Latimer, whose storyline this season follows her brave journey with alopecia, says the team is a close unit with ample access to mental health resources. Natasha Dye, People.com, 19 June 2025 In Up, a lonely widower sets off on a long overdue adventure (along with a young stowaway) by attaching thousands of balloons to his home. Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 June 2025 After The Knockout Artist, Crews seems to have retreated once more—into resentment, addiction, the lonely bluster of persona. Charlie Lee, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 As found in the survey, adults who experience daily loneliness are nearly five times more likely to rate their current life poorly compared to those who aren’t lonely. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lonely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lonely
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Like being in the corner office, swimming can largely feel like a lonesome single-person sport (the 1500m freestyle is 30 laps back and forth for over 15 minutes).
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • The original film followed a group of high schoolers who find an unlikely, intergenerational friend in Sue Ann Ellington, a lonesome veterinarian and devoted party animal played by Spencer.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • During that bleak era, Che-Chung Tsai, a researcher at the University of Washington, contacted several companies, seeking experimental drugs for use in an animal study.
    Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
  • That said, Google’s latest survey paints a bleak picture.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Construction sites and other workplaces have been desolate.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 15 June 2025
  • Her 12-day flight included crossing the rugged Ural Mountains and desolate Siberian wastes, while navigating with only a map and compass.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • My challenge was to make the sequel scarier, and darker.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Prioritize sleep quality: Creating a consistent bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool and dark may help improve sleep.
    Stella Bard, Health, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Back on top 4-2, Castellanos made it 5-2 with a single off Garza.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 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
  • In the formerly forlorn Flon warehouse district, Street Cellar is a fun casual eatery and wine bar among a whole slew of such venues that fill up with young people in the evening.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • And some Democrats, frustrated and forlorn at a lack of leadership in their own ranks, have embraced him as a hero.
    Gina Kolata, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lonely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lonely. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lonely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!