solitary

2 of 2

noun

as in hermit
a person who lives away from others weary of European civilization, the painter Paul Gauguin famously abandoned France to become a solitary in the South Seas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solitary distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

When can alone be used instead of solitary?

The meanings of alone and solitary largely overlap; 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

In what contexts can desolate take the place of solitary?

The words desolate and solitary can be used in similar contexts, but desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is it sensible to use forlorn instead of solitary?

Although the words forlorn and solitary 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 solitary?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

How do lonely and solitary relate to one another?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When is lonesome a more appropriate choice than solitary?

The synonyms lonesome and solitary are sometimes interchangeable, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

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 solitary
Adjective
As the historian Peter Galison has written, Alvarez did for peacetime science what Andy Warhol did for art, turning it from a solitary pursuit into a factory. Alec Nevala-Lee june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 Gallstones can be numerous or solitary, small like a grain of sand or large like a golf ball.3 Gallstones that block the bile ducts may cause symptoms but not always. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
Noun
Former convicts also said that men in solitary had to put away their beds from waking call to sleep time, forcing them to stand or sit for most of the day. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The changes allow inmates in solitary to participate in additional rehabilitative programming and shave time off their isolation by earning credits. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for solitary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solitary
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 update comes one week after the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced a group of hikers reported seeing a lone individual who appeared unprepared for the wilderness near Colchuck Lake.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
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
Noun
  • Later, in 1254, Pope Alexander IV included other groups of hermits in the order, known as the Grand Union.
    Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
  • The Asian hermit spider’s unique adaptation might seem strange to some and brilliant to others.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But for Mårtensson and team captain Martin Kaymer, his resume wasn’t the only deciding factor in choosing to add him to the Cleeks roster.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The Teamsters aren’t the only union occupied with emerging technologies’ impact on the future of work.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Yankee Stadium crowd booed loudly as Gary Sanchez cruised into first base with a single into shallow center field.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Back on top 4-2, Castellanos made it 5-2 with a single off Garza.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 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
  • While there have been hundreds of successful expeditions across the Mid-Atlantic, the North Atlantic is less frequently traversed by solo ocean rowers and teams.
    Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • Grede kicked off the Instagram carousel with a solo mirror selfie, followed by a mirror selfie with the Duchess of Sussex.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • These days, shapewear isn't just reserved for special occasions.
    Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • Honorees will be inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame during a special event in the fall.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solitary. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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