Definition of solitarynext

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
Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 Earlier works often centered on solitary women posed with the self-possession of royal portraits or religious icons. Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
Sweat was then confined to 23-hour-a-day solitary at Five Points Correctional Center, though he was subsequently transferred to Attica Correctional after trying to bribe Five Points officials. Kenny Herzog, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 Paul was sent into solitary for not having his shirt on in his cell. David Trone, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for solitary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solitary
Adjective
  • That could lead to Arraez making it in as a reserve, or the Giants’ lone selection or selections being a pitcher or pitchers.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • The sun was blinding, my lone witness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • One casualty was his lovely Princeton apartment, which never came together, more grad-student than dean in its feel, a lonely refrigerator in the kitchen holding only a cup of iced coffee or a jar of mayonnaise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • It’s known for outlaws, hermits, drugs, hippies, and an aversion to outsiders — like the much ballyhooed Humboldt County across the Californian border but way more under the radar.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 11 May 2026
  • According to Greek and Roman mythology, Orion was a nocturnal hermit hunter who was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Powell became emotional again when the prosecutor said Walton’s sister – his only close surviving relative – fully supported the decision to set him free.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The Toronto fan base, which landed a finalist at every position and two outfielders, is Langeliers’ only true obstacle left to overcome en route to a starting job at the All-Star Game.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was the most of any player in that tournament, earning Kane the Golden Boot that year and tying Lineker’s record for the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Under state law, any single gift — or multiple gifts from the same source that add up to $50 or more during the annual period — must be disclosed.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
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
  • The first baseman started the scoring in the first frame, lining an RBI single before adding a 418-foot solo homer in the third inning.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Visitors can expect twenty-five solo presentations and thirty-five two-artist presentations.
    News Desk, Artforum, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • As Taylor Swift appeared on the screen at Nissan Stadium during Alan Jackson's farewell concert in Nashville, the singer-songwriter was met with boos and cheers during her special video message.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • This year, there was a special emphasis on the transgender community, which has become a frequent political target of late.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Solitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solitary. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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