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
• unique
• single
• singular
• alone
• distinctive
• sui generis
• distinct
• solo
• one-off
• unaccompanied
• peerless
• unequalled
• unattended
• matchless
• unrivalled
• inimitable
• incomparable
• unparalleled
• unequaled
• unsurpassable
• separate
• unrivaled
• 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
• abandoned
• separated
• retired
• friendless
• withdrawn
• unattended
• unchaperoned
• divided
• cloistered
• hermetical
• insulated
• segregated
• detached
• sequestered
• 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

Brian Levin, the founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism and professor emeritus at Cal State San Bernardino, said that the author of the manifesto appeared to be part of a growing movement of alienated lone actors radicalized on obscure internet sites and misinformation. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

Jalen Chatfield scored Carolina’s lone goal on a deflection in the opening minutes, while Raanta finished with 24 saves. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025

In his lone college season at Duke, Flagg solidified himself as the best prospect in the country, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks. —Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 May 2025

The lone survivor was identified as Anton Tselykh, 38, of Seattle, according to the sheriff's office. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 May 2025

Phrases Containing lone

• lone ranger
• lone wolf