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as in lonely
sad from lack of companionship or separation from others a lonesome kitten left at the pound by its hard-hearted owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word lonesome distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lonesome are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonely, lone, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When is alone a more appropriate choice than lonesome?

In some situations, the words alone and lonesome 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 lonesome?

While in some cases nearly identical to lonesome, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is it sensible to use forlorn instead of lonesome?

Although the words forlorn and lonesome have much in common, 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 lonesome?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

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

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When can solitary be used instead of lonesome?

The meanings of solitary and lonesome largely overlap; 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 lonesome Outside, Archer Avenue is lonesome in the daylight, austere Resurrection Cemetery stretching along one side and depressed dusty parking lots and industrial-looking buildings lining the other side. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 The quintet collides influences — flourishes of glitchy industrial electronic flourishes, lonesome country-western instrumentation, ornate chamber pop — and tinker with all sorts of pop-rock conventions. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025 Though the film eventually finds its way to Saoirse Ronan’s captivating lead performance as a recovering alcoholic, The Outrun begins underwater, observing a lonesome seal in the North Sea. Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024 Alison Krauss will sell no high, lonesome sound before its time. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lonesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lonesome
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
  • The Changing Face Of Threats Modern attackers are not lone hackers in basements.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Law enforcement has named the deceased lone suspect in an ambush-style shooting that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured on Sunday in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as 20-year-old Wess Roley.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 30 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
  • 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
  • Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Graham House of Luminosa in Asheville, NC, recommend using a whole roast chicken, both dark and white meat, but placing half of it in the food processor before hand shredding the remaining bits for texture.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 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
  • 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
  • Meanwhile, the Sox had just one hit — a single by Ryan Noda to begin the game — through five innings against Blue Jays starter José Berríos.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 21 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
  • 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

“Lonesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lonesome. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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