Thesaurus

solitary

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How do 'lonely' and 'solitary' relate to one another?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship. // felt lonely and forsaken

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of solitary

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

a solitary example of truth-stretching is hardly grounds for branding the man a congenital liar

Synonyms for solitary

Words Related to solitary

nonce

Near Antonyms for solitary

2 not being in the company of others

a solitary sailboat was the only object on the horizon

Synonyms for solitary

Words Related to solitary

forlorn,
friendless

Phrases Synonymous with solitary

on one's own

Near Antonyms for solitary

Antonyms for solitary

accompanied

solitary

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of solitary (Entry 2 of 2)

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 for solitary

Words Related to solitary

homebody,
shut-in

Near Antonyms for solitary

socialite

socializer

Frequently Asked Questions About solitary

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